Tsitsit, the Jewish Fringe Festival, opens on 2 November

“It’s been a tough time for Jewish artists, so celebrating five years of Tsitsit Fringe feels like a triumph of creativity, friendship and faith in new voices,” says Alastair Falk, founder of the Tsitsit Fringe Festival.

“When we launched Tsitsit in 2020 we felt sure that there was a need and that it was the right time for a Jewish Fringe Festival. There were many fringe festivals but not one that specifically focused on the work of amazingly talented Jewish creatives and celebrated the treasure trove of Jewish-themed work. We chose the name Tsitsit, a play of course on the Hebrew word for fringe, and the response we have had from theatremakers and theatregoers has been fantastic. Tsitsit is now a recognised event in the UK’s fringe festival calendar.”

This year’s lineup includes bold new solo shows, fresh work-in-progress pieces, and an afternoon in conversation with two of the country’s most loved scriptwriters.

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Marks and Gran 2 November, JW3 2.30pm
The festival starts with an intimate and witty afternoon with legendary comedy writers Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran. The talented duo will be talking about their incredible career as one of Britain’s most successful comedy-writing partnerships. After early hits such as Holding the Fort and Shine On Harvey Moon, they created the BAFTA- and Emmy-winning The New Statesman and went on to deliver some of TV’s best-loved shows, including Birds of a Feather, Goodnight Sweetheart and Love Hurts. On stage, their work ranges from Playing God to the long-running musical Dreamboats and Petticoats and its sequels. Most recently, they wrote the hugely well-received Dr Freud Will See You Now, Mrs Hitler.

Revenge – After The Levoyah 8 November, artsdepot 7.30pm

A madcap Jewish-heist comedy set in Essex – one funeral, twin siblings and an 80-year-old ex-gangster with unfinished business. What could possibly go wrong? Written by Nick Cassenbaum, a master of Jewish comedy writing and creator of Bubble Schmeisis and the JW3 pantos.

The JEW-ish CABARET: JEWSicals 2025 22 November, artsdepot 8pm

A joyous evening of new Jewish musical theatre featuring short new works from emerging writers and composers. Expect music, laughter and plenty of chutzpah.

How to be Jewish Again 23 November, Libra Theatre Café 4pm

Gillian Fischer is Jewish but her entire life has been lived with little or no recognition of her Jewish identity. Now a mother in her 40s she has a compulsion to connect again with her Jewish roots. Where does she start? In this hilarious one-woman show this writer, broadcaster and actress takes us on a journey of self-discovery.

Rules Schmules – How To Be Jew-ish, 23 November, Libra Theatre Café 2.30pm

Playful, personal and poignant, Suzie Depreli’s one-person show is a funny, music-filled exploration of modern Jewish identity that finds meaning (and laughter) in the messiness of tradition. It is one woman’s passive -aggressive mission to educate the world about what it means to have an Orthodox family who eat sausages, an Asian Catholic husband who uses more Yiddish words than her Nana, and celebrate Passover without believing in God.

Cohen, Bernstein, Joni and Me, 29 November, artsdepot 7.30pm / 20 January – 1 February 2026 , Upstairs at the Gatehouse 7.30pm

Deb Filler’s acclaimed musical storytelling, blending humour, heart and harmony, recounts her real-life encounters with Leonard Cohen, Leonard Bernstein and Joni Mitchell. How does an aspiring young Jewish singer from New Zealand find her way into the lives of some of the greatest musicians of our time? And how does her father become more inspiring than them all? Laugh out loud, shed a tear and experience the sheer joy of these improbable, hilarious and heartwarming true stories coming to life.

Bottled 27 November, artsdepot 7pm

The mundane meets the abstract in this highly physical work-in-progress production by Adi Gortler and Hamza Ali that explores how global events seep into the minutiae of the everyday. Bottled follows three Barnet Water Company colleagues as they navigate their relationships amidst a rapidly shifting political landscape, demonstrating how political pressures leak into personal spaces. Integrating written text, verbatim interviews and choreographed movement, the work explores the significance of water in Islam, Judaism and everyday life.

Rabbi Santa’s Night of Comedy 27 November, artsdepot 7.30pm

A festive evening of stand-up with a few Jewish twists. Featuring a line-up of brilliant comedians including Bennett Arron and Mark Maier this is a fantastic evening of Jewish and Jew…ish comedy. Exploring culture, identity and holiday chaos, you can expect laughter, latkes and a little mischief.

Buenos Klezmer 30 November, artsdepot 7.30pm

Music fans are in for a treat with joyful, foot-stomping Jewish folk music featuring music from across the world.

Forbidden places 30 November, King Alfred Phoenix Theatre 7.30pm

This true story written by Jason Morell and directed by Timothy Walker features an eight-year-old who finds a book on the top shelf of a room he is forbidden to enter. He discovers a clue to a family secret which he doesn’t understand or dare ask about. Half a century later the mystery is revealed and his world is changed forever, and he now knows why some parents need to invent stories and tell so many lies, especially to their children.

For tickets and more information visit tsitsitfringe.org