2026 Best of Fringe Awards from What the Fringe?!
What the Fringe?! began as a platform to uplift artists through the podcast. Over the past three years, it has grown into so much more. WTF?! now reviews shows providing reviews focused on what is working in a production (and hopefully giving artists a nice pull quote), and gives out awards at the end of the podcast season. As we move into 2027, What the Fringe?! has some big plans and dreams to continue expanding how we support fringe artists on their journey.
This year I, Lauren, attended 4 fringe festivals across 3 continents and saw over 80 shows! I started the year in Adelaide, Australia, where I also performed my solo show, HOLY O. It was my first time down under, and what an experience! I met some amazing artists and experienced Australian hospitality. I would be remiss if I didn't shout out my mentor and friend, Joanne Hartstone, a bedrock of the Adelaide Fringe. In May, I attended the World Fringe Congress, which ran in conjunction with the San Diego Fringe. I made so many new friends and rekindled friendships from my time at the festival last year. The World Fringe Congress was such an encouragement because I got to see, firsthand, the passion festival directors have for artists and for fringe. In August, I worked at the Minnesota Fringe and learned all the behind-the-scenes efforts it takes to put on a fringe. Again, making new friends and giving the biggest hugs to many old friends. And I spent the last week of August in Edinburgh reviewing (and scouting) shows.
In between all of that, What the Fringe?! produced 30 podcast episodes, and one Edinburgh Special Episode!
I saw so many incredible shows from February to August. I loved all of them for different reasons. And while I am always here to cheer on the fringe artist, I don't want to just give out participation ribbons. This year I selected just a handful of shows from across the four festivals to give a Best of Fringe Award to. No categories this year, just recognition of standout shows. Here they are in alphabetical order:
An Evening with Dame Granny Smith
from David Salter
Australia
WTF, how can you fall in love with a talking apple? But it happens. And you fall even harder for ventriloquist David Salter. Such a beautiful story with plenty of twists and turns. And so, so funny.
Big Stuff
from Matt Baram & Naomi Snieckus
Canada
Something special happens when folks who are comedians and improvisers show the audience their dramatic side. I almost said vulnerable, but I think really good comedians do that all the time. Baram & Snieckus "unpack" stuff that most of us have, or will have, to go through with charm and heart. I was a puddle at the end.
Don Toberman Ping Pong Champ
from Moonlight Theatre and Chase Brantley
United States
WhyTF have I not given this show an award before?! It lives rent-free in my head. I love a good clown show, particularly one with something deeper, but this is just good 'ole fun. Chase is so invested, and this show shines wherever it goes. I love you Don Toberman!!!
Just To Be Close To You
from Cameron Poter and Jeremy Poter
United States
A second, WhyTF have I not given this show an award before?! Cam is so honest and endearing as Carl. You can't help but love him. The story behind the show will get you in all the feels. And special recognition HAS to be given to Jeremy Poter, Song Boy, and Cam's real-life brother. These two travel the world together, creating a beautiful evening of theatre. Carl, I hope to be close to you again soon.
Nun Slut
from Claire Robin
Australia
I was so nervous to see this show, but boy am I glad I took a chance on this one. Claire is spectacular, and ropes you in with every "cheeky" look from top to bottom. This debut show is a bit of a unicorn, finding some real success and traction in its first year on the fringe circuit. Claire is one to watch!
Outside In
Australia
I loved this show from Matt Tripney. Matt explores all the different sides of what it is like to live with Autism, in an "Inside Out-esque" style. And, admittedly, Matt and his team attending my show was a highlight of my Adelaide Fringe. It's always an honor to have artists you admire attend your show.
Small Minded
from Tyler West and Cleo DeOrio
United States
Tyler is an absolutely incredible clown, and a dang good Shakespearean actor. Tyler explores the many facets of living with dwarfism, while flexing his clowning skills. He gives us a look into a life that many of us don't know much about. The police chase was a hoot, and his gold body suit, perfection.
Steve Burns: Alive
from Steve Burns and Benson Drive Productions
United States
I was standing to my feet before this show even ended. Steve has such a presence on stage; he knows just how to draw you in and make you feel alive! This show got me in all the feels, and I'm kinda nuts about it. (and I was not even a Blue's Clues kid or mom!)
the statue of liberty is nora from a doll’s house by henrik ibsen
from Supermoon
United States
I went into this show knowing NOTHING, except that Michael Torch's character says he's leaving and will return in 20 minutes, and dad-gum if he didn't hit it to the second. This show is the kind of political theatre we need right now in the United States. The video work was enthralling, and I was on the edge of my seat. And if you are wondering what the show is about, the title basically says it all. But it was that, and so much more.
The Van Gogh Shogh
United States
I had been waiting over a year to see this show, and it did not disappoint. Donna draws you in from the moment she walks in the door. I raised my hand so quick to be a volunteer art student during the show. Without giving too much away, I had a very visceral reaction to the interplay between the audience and my work as a "painter." It gave me a lot to think about as someone who creates for a living. Kudos Donna!!
Watership Down
United States
I'm a big fan of this company, who is a hometown favorite in Minneapolis. They are prone to kind of wacky stories and all the laughs when it comes to fringe, and this year they branched out. Co-Founders Rachel Ropela and Timothy Kelly took a chance and wrote the estate of Richard Adams to secure the rights for this show, and got it! And boy did the show deliver: from live music, to a huge puppet, to rabbits galore. I hope the estate will agree to let this show move into more development. (Also, can you all sell rabbit ear merch? I'd be down).
You and Me (and Whoever Comes Next)
from Patch of Blue featuring Keron Day
United Kingdom
From the moment the lights came up, I was hooked. Keron is a consummate performer, along with his cast and creative team. Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. This show asks what it means to truly care about a person and to be cared for in return. If you get a chance to see this show, please go!
What the Fringe?! End of Season Episode + Best of Fringe Awards Announcement
Comments