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Monday 11th May, 2026

The Fringe comes to Chelmsford and the audience decide what they pay!

05/09/2018 About 1 minute Share article:
A new and exciting season of cutting-edge comedy straight from The Edinburgh Fringe will be hitting the Cramphorn Studio's stage this month as the Un Civic Arts season begins.

Un Civic Arts will be ripping up the theatre rule book with edgy, exciting and ultra-contemporary performances, and a new way for audiences to pay for the show! In a bold move Un Civic Arts will let the audience pay what they think the show was worth, after seeing the performance.

Ian Knowles, theatre manager, explains the ethos behind 'Pay What You Decide': "When we curated this new season of raw, brave talent we realised that the theatre had to be equally brave with the audience to encourage them to see these fantastic shows. 'Pay What You Decide' allows people to book tickets for free, watch the show, and then pay what they decide based on their experience of the show". Ian continues: "If the audience member loved the show they may want to make a generous payment, but if it wasn't their cup of tea, there is no pressure for payment. This new payment structure removes risk for the audience and we look forward to welcoming lots of new faces to the Civic to enjoy a feast of talent!"

Kicking off the season is Chris Dobrowolski with his 'All Roads Lead to Rome' on Thursday 20 September. Chris is based in Braintree and his show follows his story that starts with him restoring the family car, a beloved Triumph Herald Estate. Chris then drives the much-loved Triumph to Turin, Italy, where the car was designed, along the way he explores his father's history as a Polish solider fighting in Italy during World War 2. 'All Roads Lead to Rome' is a quick-witted, fast paced journey through consumerism, communism and classic car mechanics, what's not to love about that?

Next up is performance artist and liar Tom Cassani, who showcases his 'Someone Loves You Drive with Care' on Thursday 27 September. Trained in sleight of hand, Tom will expose the techniques of deception and teach you how to spot it in action. Using his skills Tom will explore truth, honesty, manipulation and fabrication. Tom will also examine moments in time that might have happened, that have never happened, and those that will never happen!

All Un Civic Arts shows start at 8pm. For full details and to book tickets visit http://www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres or call the Box Office - Tel No: 01245 606505.


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