ONE of the reasons to look forward to the Henley Fringe Trust in 2010 is the combination of exciting acts on show, coupled with the opportunity to indulge in some of the finest dining and leisure venues one could wish for.

Several local clubs and restaurants have been fully supportive of the venture as it brings further diversity and creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that now enhances the summer programme that the people of Henley are traditionally familiar with.


Juan from Bodega restaurant on Hart Street has always been a supporter of local events in Henley.

The musical entertainment at La Bodega opens on Wednesday, July 21 with jazz, musical theatre and contemporary offerings including performances by two bright young singer songwriters, Totie Southwell who currently studies at ACM and Amy Waneless, both musicians local to Henley.

The music continues on Thursday with local band Bleak Angel whose chilled out folky vibe has been likened to greats such as Simon and Garfunkel. The latin link comes on Friday afternoon with Alexander Legouix and The Sunflowers offering a chilled summer vibe to the restaurant.

Friday evening will be a lively affair with comedy musicians The Ray Guns and Zoideberg — “Zoideberg’s set does not have a single lone genre, just energy and primal fire!”

If music alone doesn’t satisfy your artistic hunger then Love Letters, the Broadway hit by A.R Gurney constructs the wit and bitter sweetness of a relationship through letters. I doubt there is a more suitable location to relax and delight in this beautifully conceived play. Love Letters will be shown at lunch times from 12.30pm 1.45pm daily and every night at 6.30pm.

The unique promenade Shakespearean piece Measure for Measure, a RoguePlay Theatre production also touches down at La Bodega three times a day. The tale of stoic Isabella and her brother Claudio will be a true theatrical experience and moving with the cast around three venues provides a great way to see Henley and Shakespeare !

For booking, times and venue details, check out the website at www.henleyfringe.org or email info@henleyfringe.org The box office will open on June 1.

By Jo Southwell

Published 24/05/10