Winnipeg Fringe Festival receiving warm reception from theatregoers
Posted July 20, 2025 5:39 pm.
Last Updated July 20, 2025 5:41 pm.
The 2025 Winnipeg Fringe Festival is in high gear, offering nearly 150 shows across 26 venues and theatregoers and performers alike seem to be having a great time.
“I’ve travelled across Canada, and I’ve done fringe’s before, but Winnipeg is hands down the best fringe ever,” said Erin Essery, performer from “Wherever You May Be”.
“Every year its something great, and every year it seems to get better and better,” said one local. “Theres a lot of people this year, we noticed that the shows are full, and there’s no bad show like every show has a different flavour, a different energy and they’re all fun.”
One of the many popular spots is Théâtre Cercle Molière, where several fringe venues are hosting a variety of shows. “Wherever You May Be” has been one of the hits, a heartwarming dramedy about a woman telling her kids about her harrowing immigration story.
“She’s in a personal care home, and the play really examines her relationship with each of the children, the family dynamic in general, and what it means to be a family and what it means to know about your past and where you’re from,” said Natalie Fitkowsky, performer from “Wherever You May Be”.
“Theres been a lot of holding for laughter which is wonderful, in rehearsal you never know how jokes are going to land, and then there’s been some crying too, which is also nice to know that the show is really resonating with people,” said Essery.
Their latest performance had a packed house and earned a standing ovation. The cast says it’s been special to receive such a great response from theatregoers.
“When they’re laughing, when they’re engaged it just fuels us on stage, and there’s really no feeling in the world quite like it,” said Essery.
“It’s a special kind of energy, for sure,” said Fitkowsky.
“Wherever You May Be” still has 5 performances remaining. The full schedule for all the shows can be found on the Winnipeg Fringe Website.
