UPDATE: Our original offer to encourage people to vote seems to have bothered some people, and we’ve some mildly alarming suggestions that we could get in trouble for doing so. Unfortunately our legal team can’t advise us because we’re a tiny arts business and they don’t exist.
So we’ve unconditionally withdrawn our original offer in its entirety, but replaced it with an entirely different completely unconnected deal. Instead, you can get free tickets if you go near a polling station. Because it’s a totally different offer, we’ve also upped the age bracket to anyone under 30. Updated text highlighted below.

In a few days, the country will go to the polling stations again. If you include the Scottish referendum, this will be the sixth national vote in seven years. And this one arguably offers the biggest difference in ideals than any general election in decades.

At the last election, 77% of over 55s turned up to vote, vs less than 43% of under 25s. Some people think that’s a good thing, that elderly voters have wisdom and experience and know what’s best. We think that’s rubbish. We were only 18 when we set this venue up.

So we very much encourage you to vote.

Anyway, now for something completely unrelated to the previous two paragraphs.

As a purely cynical marketing exercise designed to appeal to young people who probably like twitter and things like that, we’re offering free tickets to any show for anyone under 30 who can prove they stood outside a polling station on polling day – one each week of the fringe. No restrictions, no exclusions, and it doesn’t matter who you vote for. Or if you voted at all. Tweet/email a selfie at the polling station* and you’ll be added to a list, and as long as there’s space you can come into any show for free. And you can have everything after that at half price.

We’ve got some world-class stand-ups to choose from, as well as impro, sketch and musical comedy, and an unparalleled programme of thrilling theatre. For just three weeks each year, a cacophony of international talent flies** into Buxton, so take a look at who’s coming to town.

The more engaged young people are, the stronger our voices are. By definition, elected officials have to pay attention to the groups who might actually vote for or against them. So just by turning up, we make sure politicians listen to the whole electorate, whatever the result, now and in the future. And the younger we get engaged, the better we can hope for the future.

We challenge other local and national businesses to do the same thing. And also separately to encourage young people to vote (but obviously don’t offer them any extra incentives because that might not be legal). Democracy is strongest when turnout is high, and the earlier people engage, the better informed the electorate becomes.

We shouldn’t leave it to someone else’s voting habits to decide our lives, and for once young people have the power to determine the election. The High Peak is one seat that could go either way, so whoever you think about when you stand near a polling station, get out and do it.

 

*A picture outside is best, there are various rules on photos inside.
**I mean, arrives on the slow train from a connection at Stockport.

 

HOW IT WORKS / TERMS etc

To be fair to our artists, we can only offer freebies to shows that aren’t selling out, so you can only claim on the day, and in some cases you might have to wait until just before. But we can normally squeeze extra people into most shows. You can have one free ticket each week, between the 5th and 23rd July. No rollovers unfortunately, and the week restarts on a Monday.

To prove you stood near a polling station on polling day, you should send us a selfie at the polling station, on polling day. The rules around photography in voting booths are complicated, so even if you happen to vote while you’re there, a picture outside is best. Obviously make sure you’re in it, and it’s at our discretion whether we’re convinced by your photo. (You don’t actually have to be standing).

You can genuinely have the offer whether you voted or not, even if you’re not on the electoral roll.

Also, ‘half price’ tickets means you’ll pay what our performers pay, which is roughly half price but varies a little show to show.

Job advert:

Underground Venues is the leading venue-group on the Buxton Fringe, hosting 68 shows and events in two theatre spaces. We operate for three weeks every July, bringing together an exciting mix of artists, producers, audiences and festival volunteers.

This year our venue operates 29 June – 25 July July (including get-in and get-out).

The Buxton Fringe is the 3rd largest Fringe in the UK and our programme of work this year includes a fantastic range of top-class touring theatre, award-winning stand-up comedy and Edinburgh Fringe previews.

We are looking for a theatre technician join our existing team for the three weeks and manage one of our studio spaces. The post involved rigging and plotting lights, helping acts with tech rehearsals, managing changeovers between shows, familiarising companies with the technical equipment and sometimes operating shows. You’ll meet and work with a huge variety of national and international touring companies.

We cover all accommodation and transport costs, with a fee/expenses negotiable dependent on experience. Our technicians also have the opportunity to see a wide range of Fringe shows for free and the post is a great opportunity to meet artists and others working at the venue.

Some experience or training of working as a theatre technician is essential. Experience working in a Fringe or festival context is desirable. The post is open to all but may well be suited to a student or recent graduate looking to further their experience working with professional companies.

Dates in Buxton are 29 June til 25 July (though there is some flexibility on this if necessary). All accommodation and transport to/from Buxton is covered.

To apply, please send your CV and expression of interest (or any questions) to jobs@underthefringe.com

From the Underground press office:

—

The Buxton Fringe’s longest running venue has received a new lease of life, in the form of a new base above The Clubhouse pub in the centre of town.

After 10 years and 1,500 performances hosted under the historic Old Hall Hotel, Underground Venues were forced to move this year to make way for the multi-million pound Crescent Spa redevelopment project. Luckily their prayers, and those of 70 companies from across the globe, have been answered by the offer of a new home just over the road.

Artistic Directors Yaz Al-Shaater and Tom Crawshaw have developed ‘Underground at the Clubhouse’, a 70-seat performance space which will house a community of 60 artists, theatre companies and comedians and an audience of thousands over three weeks in July. The venue will also host Buxton’s exclusive new Fringe Club, a box office and information desk, and ‘The Buxton Festival Fridge’: a curated performance and exhibition space in a real-life fridge.

Underground will also be returning to the Pavilion Arts Centre for the Fringe, to house a further 43 larger-scale performances.

Co-founder Yaz Al-Shaater said “We’re really pleased to have found a place packed with potential, to continue what we started over a decade ago. We pretty much grew up on the Buxton Fringe so it’s an honour to return each year and give something back, by bringing together artists from all over the world and introducing them to the Fringe, and to Buxton.”

Yaz continued “We always have a blast building the programme, because the Buxton audience is brilliant, there’s always a great atmosphere and no-one’s ever scared to try something new. I can’t wait to see what people think of the work we have lined up this year.”

Co-founder Tom Crawshaw said “We were sad to see the Pauper’s Pit close, but can’t wait to open our new space at The Clubhouse. We both have many fond memories of performing at The Clubhouse when it was run by Martin Beard as Venue 21, and we are very excited that we are able to put The Clubhouse right back at the centre of the Fringe, where it belongs.”

Underground’s programme this year features performances from every genre, as well as work from across the globe. Highlights include ‘Fringe First’ winning Edinburgh-hit Labels, Funny Women Award winner and rising star Harriet Braine, and Edison – a bold experimental retelling of the life of Nikola Tesla from Philadelphia-based ensemble Static Assembly.

This year’s Buxton Fringe runs 5-23 July, with the Launch Party at Underground’s new space on Tuesday 4 July.

Start Your Own Underground Podcast Today and Lead It to Success with Twitter

In the digital age, social media has become a powerful tool for individuals and businesses to connect, engage, and promote their content. One platform that stands out for its ability to reach a wide audience and create meaningful connections is Twitter. If you’re considering starting your own underground podcast, harnessing the power of Twitter can be a game-changer for your success.

Building a Twitter Presence

Before diving into the podcasting world, it’s crucial to establish a strong presence on Twitter. Here are a few steps to get you started:

• Create a compelling Twitter handle that reflects your podcast’s theme or name.
• Design a visually appealing profile picture and cover photo that represents your podcast’s brand.
• Write a captivating bio that clearly describes what your podcast is about.
• Start following relevant accounts, including influencers, industry leaders, and potential listeners.
• Engage with your audience by responding to comments, retweeting interesting posts, and participating in conversations.

Remember, consistency is key when building a Twitter presence. Regularly share updates, sneak peeks, and engaging content related to your podcast to keep your followers interested and excited.

The Power of Twitter for Podcast Promotion

Once you have a solid Twitter foundation, it’s time to leverage its power to promote your podcast and attract a loyal listener base. Here’s how Twitter can help you achieve that:

• Connect with influencers: Reach out to influential individuals in your podcast’s niche and offer them the opportunity to be a guest on your show. When they promote their appearance on Twitter, their followers will be exposed to your podcast, expanding your reach.
• Engage with your audience: Use Twitter as a platform to interact with your listeners. Encourage them to share their thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback. Responding to their tweets and building a genuine connection will foster loyalty and encourage them to spread the word about your podcast.
• Tap into trending topics: Stay up to date with the latest trends and conversations happening on Twitter. Find creative ways to relate these topics to your podcast, allowing you to join relevant discussions and capture the attention of a broader audience.

Boost Your Podcast’s Visibility with Retweets

In the competitive world of podcasting, gaining visibility and reaching a wider audience is crucial for success. One effective way to amplify your podcast’s reach on Twitter is by purchasing retweets from reputable sources. Marketing Heaven is the best site to buy retweets on Twitter. Their services can help your podcast’s content reach a larger audience, attract new listeners, and increase overall engagement.

By strategically utilizing retweets, you can enhance the visibility of your podcast, increase your follower count, and ultimately drive more traffic to your episodes. This increased exposure can open doors to potential collaborations, sponsorships, and monetization opportunities.

Remember, while purchasing retweets can give your podcast a boost, it’s important to continue producing high-quality content and engaging with your audience to maintain their interest and support.

Twitter offers a multitude of opportunities for aspiring podcasters to start their own underground shows and lead them to success. By building a strong Twitter presence, leveraging the platform’s promotional power, and using retweets strategically, you can expand your reach, attract a loyal listener base, and make a name for yourself in the podcasting world.

So, what are you waiting for? Start your own underground podcast today and let Twitter propel you to podcasting success!

We are very pleased to announce that Underground Venues has arisen from the loss of our original home under the Old Hall Hotel, to find a new home for 2017 in festival hub The Old Clubhouse. Following eleven successful years, Underground will return with another hand-picked programme of events at the 2017 Buxton Fringe.

Popular with Festival and Fringe audiences for many years, The Old Clubhouse, opposite the historic Opera House, will form our new base of our operations. A brand new theatre space for 2017 will join an all-day Fringe Club and information desk, while the Arts Centre, just over the road, will continue to host our larger-scale acts.

Underground Venues 2017 will run 4-23 July.

Applications for all types of performance will open at the very start of February.

Keep an eye on the website and our Twitter and Facebook for more information.

Underground Venues is the leading venue-group on the Buxton Fringe, hosting 75 shows in three different theatre spaces. We operate for three weeks every July, bringing together an exciting mix of artists, producers, audiences and festival volunteers.

This year our venue operates 3-25 July (including get-in and get-out).

The Buxton Fringe is the 3rd largest Fringe in the UK and our programme of work this year includes a fantastic range of top-class touring theatre, award-winning stand-up comedy and Edinburgh Fringe previews.

We are looking for a theatre technician join our existing team for the three weeks and manage one of our 40-seat studio spaces. The post involved rigging and plotting lights, helping acts with tech rehearsals, managing changeovers between shows, familiarising companies with the technical equipment and sometimes operating shows.

We offer all accommodation in Buxton, all transport costs, plus £300 towards expenses for the time. Volunteers also have the opportunity to see a wide range of Fringe shows for free and the post is a great opportunity to meet artists and others working at the venue.

Some experience or training of working as a theatre technician is essential. Experience working in a Fringe or festival context is desirable. The post is open to all but may well be suited to a student or recent graduate looking to further their experience working with professional companies.

You will need to be free to arrive in Buxton on the afternoon of 3 July and leave the afternoon of 25 July. All accommodation and transport to/from Buxton is covered.

For more information, or to apply, simply contact jobs@underthefringe.com

For more information about the venue, visit underthefringe.com

We’re proud to officially announce Underground Venues will return in 2016 for our 11th season on the Buxton Festival Fringe.

The venue will run 6 – 24 July 2016, with another strong programme of the finest Fringe entertainment from across the UK.

To apply to be part of it head to our Artists Area. Applications close 23 March.

That’s right, 2015 will be the tenth year of Underground Venues! – and you can bet we’re excited about it (because you would have no risk of losing your stake, as we are definitely excited and can prove it).

2015 will be the tenth time we take up residence at the Old Hall for the Buxton Fringe, after starting there back in 2006. We will also be managing the Arts Centre Studio in Buxton and be returning to the Oxford Fringe for our fourth year there!

Dates for both Fringes are confirmed as:

Oxford: 22 May – 7 June 2015

Buxton: 8 – 26 July 2015

We are accepting applications for Oxford already – just email oxford@underthefringe.com for full info and an application form. We will be accepting applications until 10 March.

Applications for Buxton Fringe will open late January and be through the website. The deadline is 23 March.

Linen, often associated with relaxed summer days, has quietly ascended to a new level of sartorial sophistication. Beyond its impeccable ability to keep you cool, linen possesses qualities that make it an unexpected yet perfect choice for hitting the dance floor.

Let’s delve into why linen is the unsung hero of party attire.
The Dance Floor Advantage

Linen’s lightweight and breathable nature is a game-changer when you’re immersed in the rhythm of the night. Unlike heavier fabrics that can restrict movement, linen flows effortlessly with your body. Whether you’re twirling, dipping, or simply grooving, you’ll experience a freedom of movement that other fabrics can’t match.

Moreover, linen is remarkably absorbent. As the temperature rises on the dance floor, linen helps to regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool and comfortable. No more sticky discomfort that can dampen your enthusiasm.
Style Versatility

linen shirt offer an unparalleled versatility that caters to a wide range of party styles. For men, a crisp white linen shirt paired with dark jeans and loafers creates a effortlessly cool ensemble. For a bolder statement, opt for a vibrant hue like cobalt blue or olive green. Layer with a blazer for a touch of formality or leave it open for a relaxed vibe.

Women can experiment with various silhouettes and styling options. A loose-fitting linen shirt can be tied at the waist to create a flattering tunic-like look. Pair it with high-waisted shorts or a maxi skirt for a bohemian-inspired outfit. For a more polished appearance, tuck a linen shirt into tailored trousers and accessorize with statement jewelry.
The Linen Love Affair

Linen’s ability to effortlessly transition from day to night makes it a wardrobe essential. Its natural texture and inherent coolness lend themselves to a carefree, yet stylish aesthetic that’s perfect for any party. So, the next time you’re planning a night out, consider incorporating linen into your outfit. Your body and your style will thank you.

Another year, another summer and the Fringe season is on us again.

As we’ve written about before, a strong pattern of Fringe festivals has grown up over the summer months in the UK. With Brighton in May, Oxford in May/June, Buxton in July and Edinburgh – the biggest of  them all – in Edinburgh. The trail moves south to north as the summer progresses and a growing number of acts are moving with it.

Acts use this ‘Fringe Trail’ to road-test their shows ready for Edinburgh (the biggest live arts festival in the world) – or to kick-start a later tour. Conversely, many revisit the other Fringes after having had success in one.

Here at Underground we are keen to see this Fringe Trail grow so we present here the dates of the four Trail Fringes for 2014:

• Brighton Fringe | 3 May – 1 June | www.brightonfringe.org
• Oxford Fringe | 24 May – 8 June | www.oxfordfringe.org – see Underground Venues’ programme here
• Buxton Fringe | 9 – 27 July | www.buxtonfringe.org.uk – see Underground Venues’ programme here
• Edinburgh Fringe | 1 – 25 August | www.edfringe.com

Both the Buxton and Oxford Fringes have now announced their full programmes for 2014. And we’re pleased to announce Underground will once again be a powerful presence at both.

We are presenting 19 shows at the Old Fire Station, as part of the Oxford Fringe. In Buxton, we’re back for our 9th year, in our base under the Old Hall and at the Pavilion Arts Centre, this year with 70 different shows and events.

The Oxford Fringe runs 24 May – 8 June. You can check out the whole programme at www.oxfordfringe.org

The Buxton Fringe dates for 2014 are 9 – 27 July and their full line-up is at www.buxtonfringe.org.uk

Watch this space for our programme launch on May 4th!