Royal Croquet Club 2018 Opening: Adelaide Fringe Festival

RCC is back and with plenty more in the mix.

It’s every Adelaidian’s favourite time of year! The Fringe is upon us, and with it comes wild and wacky shows, mouth-watering food, trinkets crafted by Adelaide’s most talented, and a big favourite… the Royal Croquet Club. 2018 has already brought a lot to the table, and this year’s RCC has been revamped and packed to the brim with endless options for a grand night out. The new twist reinstates why Adelaide was named ‘The Festival State’, with many travellers from abroad stopping by to see what the fuss is all about. Along with the food trucks and funky pop-up bars scattered around the island inspired riverbank (the ultimate hipster’s hangout), 4 new spectacles have been added to the layout.

RCC 2018 is looking to be huge.

RCC 2018 is looking to be huge.

Every good night starts with a beer and ends with a boogie, so to fulfil our needs RCC has returned with a major transformation to the traditional main-stage, welcoming Big River Motel. This new green arena is fully decked out with bars, lights, plenty of D-floor space, and a killer stage to accommodate. Australian hip-hop duo Hermitude kicked off the opening night, christening the new space and bracing everyone for what’s to come as we enter Mad-March. At Big River Motel you will get to see big acts like Touch Sensitive, Thundamentals and Booka Shade for a dirty $30; and the best part? It’s always Pimm’s o’clock.

Thundamentals

Thundamentals set to play at Big River Motel.

Next up on our radar is the Grand Auditorium. This is the place to see flips, tricks and thrilling acts performed by this year’s internationally commended circus sensations. Here you can see 360 Allstars, A Simple Space, and Circus Abyssinia; 3 groups who have earned raving 5 star reviews across a range of media platforms. If the idea of a modern street inspired circus triggers your imagination, head over to see 360 Allstars, a cast including champion break-dancers, a BMX baddie, a big time freestyle baller and roué cyr artist (captivated yet?). The venue has been set up to encapsulate the carnival vibe that lures you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

See 360 Allstars at the Grand Auditorium.

See 360 Allstars at the Grand Auditorium.

Another hub for excitement at this year’s RCC is the Plaza Parlour, boasting some of the best and quirkiest comedic shows on offer. Nothing cures stress better than a good laugh, so grab yourself a champagne and take a 60 minute breather with comedy award winner Josh Glanc, or perhaps The Travelling Sisters in their sketch ‘Toupe’, said to be ‘a theme park ride for the soul’.

Travelling Sisters set to play at the Plaza Parlour.

Travelling Sisters set to play at the Plaza Parlour.

Lastly is Empire Theatre: the place where abnormality is the norm. While there’s a few freaky mind bogglers like Monsteria, who showcase the limits of the female body using the power of contortion, Empire theatre is one for the kids. A little more PG and bound to get the young ones going are acts by Swamp Juice and The Chipolata’s; this is fun and theatrical line-up with just enough edge to set the eccentric Fringe atmosphere.

Swamp Juice to feature at the Empire Theatre.

Swamp Juice to feature at the Empire Theatre.

RCC has also tied the old with the new, giving River Torrens resident Popeye a good run with optional cruises if the atmosphere gets a little hectic; it’s a peaceful way to scope out the cityscape at night! For more line-up info and to purchase show tickets, visit The RCC website here. Or if you’d just like something to do on your Friday night, entry to the main arena is completely free! Here you have an option of 15 food stalls with some classic favourites, as well as some new discovered gems. We’re talking 50sixone, Burger Theory and Fry Boy alongside your favourite bevvy!

 

Images: Adelaide Fringe

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