Freo gets royale treatment

After hosting a couple of comedy shows in Northbridge during the 2014 Fringe, Freo Royale organisers Vulture Culture were keen to bring fringe to Fremantle, the heart of alternative arts.

Launching the first Freo Royale last year, Vulture Culture’s Ronan Freeburn said it was a “no brainer” to set up a Fringe hub in the port city.

“We formulated a plan and pitched it to Fringe World and the City of Fremantle that we would produce and promote the Fremantle site under the name Freo Royale and thankfully they both gave us the green light,” he said.

“To be honest, Fringe is Fremantle; in my personal opinion, which could get me into trouble, I think Freo is a better natural fit vibe-wise for Fringe events and atmosphere than the city or Northbridge.”

Following a successful inaugural year, Freeburn said they had gone bigger for 2016, boasting a program of more than 150 performances.

“We have definitely attracted bigger names that are exclusive to Fremantle,” he said.

Freo Royale runs from January 28 to February 7. Visit www.freoroyale.com.au for more.