Faversham Life
Faversham Life
Words Justin Croft Photographs Faversham Fringe
Ribs Norman of Faversham Fringe
In the driving seat is the remarkable Ribs Norman, ‘science technician, comedian and improvisor’. Faversham raised, now living in Folkestone, Ribs tells us: ‘Faversham has a large chunk of my heart.’ It’s evidently a big heart too, to judge by the Fringe’s glorious inclusivity. It’s a gallimaufry of the performing arts: theatre, comedy, magic, mentalism, dance, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, improv and hypnotism.
Faversham Fringe has been as successful, as it is ambitious, now in its ninth year and still growing. Though it began as sideshow to the town’s late summer hop festival, it soon outgrew that weekend slot, spreading over several weeks ― no longer really a ‘Fringe’ at all but the main event. Ribs purposely holds onto the Fringe branding. ‘These days Fringe Festival is used to describe open-access festivals. It’s become something of a movement, with hundreds of fringe festivals around the world.’
Fringe Festival fun
Spread across three venues (The Alexander Centre, The Arden Theatre and The Guildhall), and with more than 20 days of events, there really is something for everyone. The full programme is here
It’s a major logistical challenge. With help of family and a valued team of volunteers it’s all managed by Ribs herself. Her day job as a science technician, requiring preparation and attention to detail, evidently stands her in good stead for the logistics of the Fringe. ‘Each show comes with its own set of conditions ― one might be loud and so can’t be programmed next to a quiet show, or maybe the performers can only do one Friday in the festival, and that must be the same day as the other show they are in. Then there are shows that will draw on the same audience demographic ― I try not to put those up against each other. There are always more shows that want to be in the Arden Theatre than I have space for, so then I have to decide who gets in and who doesn’t. And then there’s getting all of the gear ― PAs and lights, etc ― over to Faversham in my car, often with my husband and son squashed in as well!’
Enthusiastic audiences every year
We’ve made some picks below which look especially tempting, but it’s worth trying any of these shows. Ribs of course won’t be drawn on her favourites. ‘Like with children, I can’t possibly have a favourite! Sadly, I don’t get to see many shows, because I’m often running between venues or solving problems as they arise. Hopefully, I will be present for the shows I am actually performing in…’
What’s refreshing is Ribs’s willingness to programme the unknown. That’s not a reflection of quality, but an embrace of the magic of chance, of improvisation, even work in progress. Comedy and theatre seem to be having their moment in this respect. We all love a slick and polished performance, and there will plenty of that, but just as rewarding are the shows where performers are taking genuine risks.
This is where creativity really happens, and it’s great to witness. Enjoy the ride.
TK’s Magic Show at The Alexander Centre on Sunday 5 October.
‘A rollercoaster of comedy and mind-bending mentalism (as seen on Britain’s Got Talent)’
Darwin’s Cleaner, The Alexander Centre, Sunday 5 October. Meet Hen, cleaner to Charles Darwin’s family, who has had enough of the mess and the carcasses, the flesh-eating plants and the pinned butterflies
‘Michael Brunström Sings Ten Songs about Moths’. The Alexander Centre, Friday 10 October.’ Mysterious. Alluring. Playful. Profound.’ Surrealist comedian Michael Brunström explores the many moods of moths through the medium of song
A special festival edition of what has become a year-round Faversham fixture. Monthly comedy club run by Ribs Norman
Katie Pritchard, I Kiss the Music, The Arden Theatre, Friday 17 October. Multi-award-winning musical comedian and body roll enthusiast. ‘Think Lady Gaga… on acid’
No Name Nomads, Heartbreak Motel, The Arden Theatre, Saturday 18 October. Back after two sell-out years, No Name Nomads capture the transient life of a Motel. ‘Hearts are broken; heart-to-hearts are eavesdropped; artichoke hearts are eaten. A heart-warming, improvised play’
‘Edwardian Musical Comedy Rediscovered… Reimagined’, The Arden Theatre, Sunday 19 October. ‘An energised, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable showcase of Edwardian Musical Comedy. New vocal arrangements based on archive shows, reimagined for today’s audience’
Mumorial, The Alexander Centre, Friday 24 Oct 2025. ‘Ribs Norman can’t decide how to memorialise her mum. This heart-warming, hilarious one-woman show explores grief, perfectionism, and procrastination with puppetry, absurd facts, and unexpected joy. A refreshingly honest, ridiculous, and touching look at love, loss, and letting go’
Text: Justin Croft. Photographs: Faversham Fringe
