Leader: Feuding on the Fringe
But hang on. It’s not so simple. The “Free Fringe” comprises two feuding camps. There’s Peter Buckley Hill’s original “Free Fringe” group, and a breakaway group, run by Alex Petty, known as the “Free Festival”. The “Free Fringe” features 326 shows this year (up 42 per cent on last year) at eight venues, while Alex Petty now has – gosh – 352 shows (up about 50 per cent) at eight venues. Only those familiar with the history of the ideological divide between the Judean People’s Front and the People’s Front of Judea can grasp the complex issues at stake here. There’s also a bitter personal feud on the other side between Tommy Sheppard and Underbelly venue co-director Charlie Wood. Free at the door. Donations welcome.