The Fringe World Festival is set to explode back onto the Perth cultural scene in 2026, delivering an electrifying lineup of circus, cabaret, comedy, and music. Running from January 21 to February 15, the festival will transform venues across Northbridge, Perth, Fremantle, and beyond into hubs of creative mayhem and breathtaking spectacle.
Circus & Physical Theatre Spectacles
This year's program is packed with world-class physical performance. The acclaimed Taiwanese Eye Catching Circus makes its Western Australian debut with '#since1994', a powerful all-female acrobatic exploration of modern womanhood at The Gold Digger from January 21 to February 1.
Japanese innovators Cirquework bring their latest sensation, 'Gasha', to the ICF: Warehouse. Expect a fusion of traditional kimono with avant-garde acrobatics in a visually stunning dreamscape. Meanwhile, the sexy and silly 'Elixir Revived' returns, described as "Cirque du Soleil meets Magic Mike", promising upgraded hilarity in The Aurora Spiegeltent.
Local talent shines with WA's own Kinetica presenting 'Glitch', a futuristic aerial tale of robotic perfection gone awry. For a wild, animalistic celebration, 'Primal' brings together top circus and cabaret artists like powerhouse vocalist The Leather Lungs at the Heath Ledger Theatre.
Cabaret, Comedy & Bold Storytelling
The cabaret offerings are fiercer and funnier than ever. Reuben Kaye returns with two shows: the musical comedy 'Hard to Swallow' and the ringmaster-led variety spectacle 'The Kaye Hole'. Award-winning WAAPA graduate Tomas Clifford brings his musical-comedy cabaret 'Got Stood Up' to The Court's Beer Garden following his 2025 award wins.
Bold new voices are stepping into the spotlight. Kelly Lim Harri makes her Fringe debut with 'Yellow Fever: An Original Musical Cabaret', tackling dating dynamics with original pop-rock songs. Drag fans are spoilt for choice with the glamorous 'Lady Boys of Bangkok' arriving from Thailand, and the 'Briefs' boys returning with their signature sparkle and subversion in 'The Works'.
For pure comedy, Wil Anderson offers entirely improvised riffing in 'Whatchu Talkin' 'Bout Wil?', while rising star Anisa Nandaula brings her chaotic hilarity to stand-up. Don't miss the interactive chaos of 'Mel McGlensey is NORMAL' or the adult improv of 'The Big Hoo Haa F**k, Marry, Kill'.
Magic, Music & Family Fun
Mind-bending magic is well represented. YouTube sensation Saksham performs his 'Magical Madness', while 'Parlor Magic' with Toby Z offers sophisticated close-up illusion. Dom Chambers promises anarchy and awe with his self-created ultimate trick in 'Magic Hunt'.
The music program spans decades and genres. '27 Club' sees Kevin Mitchell and Sarah McLeod pay rock tribute to icons lost at age 27. 'History of House — Greatest Hits' pairs DJ Groove Terminator with the Soweto Gospel Choir for a dance party, and 'MILLENNIAL' delivers a non-stop nostalgia trip through 90s and 00s pop anthems.
Families are catered for with a dedicated kids' program. Highlights include the bubble-filled wonder of 'Bubba Licious', the slapstick circus of 'Trash Test Dummies', the interactive musical creations of 'Adam Page', and the return of the popular, free 'Fringe World Mermaids' at The Pleasure Garden.
With hundreds of shows across multiple precincts, Fringe World 2026 solidifies Perth's position as a summer festival capital. Tickets for all shows are on sale now, with many expected to sell out quickly.
