Adelaide Fringe’s 2015 program was officially launched in Rundle Mall this morning at the new, psychedelic Fringe Funhouse.

Unveiling the program for his fifth and final Fringe, Director Greg Clarke said “this year the Fringe has over 1000 events, which is a record number”.

“The theme for 2015 is all about experiencing something new and the Fringe Funhouse will act as a showcase stage for new artists so people can get a five to 10 minute-taste of the different shows on offer”.

Highlights of the 2015 Fringe will be acts such as 70s disco inspired Velvet featuring Australian pop legend Marcia Hines and newcomer Brendan Maclean, Hot Brown Honey who were awarded an inaugural Adelaide Fringe Cultural Fund grand, Miss Behave’s Gameshow, Michael Griffiths, Geraldine Quinn, Yana Alana and Sparrow-Folk.

But with 121 cabaret shows, 37 circus and physical theatre shows, 328 comedy shows, 33 dance shows, six film events, 226 music events, 109 theatre productions, 93 art exhibitions, 57 children’s events and 48 special events, there are too many acts, artists and special events to list here.

The Garden of Unearthly Delights alone will feature 105 shows and 30 free events, including Velvet, Puddles Pity Party, Le Gateau Chocolat, Peter Combe, and a musical debut by Guy Pearce singing with Darren Middleton from Powderfinger.

Acting as a lure to the 1,058 events, are The Sirens – seven giant divas each representing cabaret, circus and physical theatre, comedy, dance, film, music, theatre and tempting people to experience their respective art forms.

“Last year we had the giant disco cuttlefish, but this year we will have the 4.5-metre Sirens,” said Clarke. “We really want to encourage people to get out there and experience the future stars of tomorrow and The Sirens are a key part of that.”

The Sirens will appear during the Fringe Parade and the Street Theatre Festival and will pop up in secret locations during the Fringe. As with Stobie, the Giant Disco Cuttlefish, The Sirens will attract audience participation.

Puddles Pity Party.

Other new initiatives set to lure audiences to the Fringe are the Digital Fringe Guide, allowing early access to the guide and click through bookings, and the Fringe TV Show, Adelaide Fringe Tonite!, hosted by Fringe Ambassadors Paul McDermott and Katie Noonan.

“This year the Good News Week team filmed the sponsors’ gala event which included 12 acts for a one hour TV show to air on GO! channel on Sunday,” said Clarke.

“It’s part of our strategy to build audiences from interstate and to promote Adelaide Fringe right across Australia.”

Within South Australia, the Adelaide Fringe continues to grow into suburban and regional areas, with an increase in the number of venues and events in Port Augusta, the Barossa Valley, Port Adelaide, Goolwa and Salisbury.

Le Chocolat Gateau. Photo: Eli Schmidt

“Since I took over the Fringe, it has almost doubled in size, ticket sales have doubled,” said Clarke.

“When I first got here all of the Fringe activity was in the East End, now it covers the entire city, the suburbs and the regional areas.

“New venues are popping up throughout the city and different places outside of Adelaide.

“Audience numbers are also increasing 10 to 20 per cent every year, so I don’t think the increase in venues will have any impact on established venues.

“The Garden of Unearthly Delights is still getting the same number of people through.”

The Fringe’s special free events next year include the Fringe Parade on opening night, the 10th anniversary of the Fringe Street Theatre Festival over the March long weekend, Fringe at the Airport, Fringe in Goolwa, Hospital Hilarity and Desert Fringe in Port Augusta and Leigh Creek over the last weekend of the Fringe.

“BankSA is again offering its Support Act Program, providing subsidised tickets ($10) to 97 shows.”

Adelaide Fringe 2015 will kick off with the opening night Parade on Friday, February 13, and runs until March 15.

The digital Fringe Guide can be downloaded from adelaidefringe.com.au before the printed guide hits the streets on January 3, 2015.