The UK’s leading festival of live performance is set to return to venues across Waterloo next week with comedy, theatre and a brand new venue for circus, drag and burlesque.
VAULT Festival – the UK’s leading independent festival of live performance since 2012 – is back after a ‘tumultuous’ few years, which included being cancelled last year due to covid.
The Vaults, a large underground network of tunnels under Waterloo Station, has its main entrance on Leake Street but some other venues across Waterloo are also being used nearby.
The festival is running for nearly two months from January 24 – March 19. The programme features over 500 theatre, comedy, cabaret and late-night shows from some of the brightest talents across the live performance industry.
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VAULT Festival Director & Co-Founder Andy George said: “There have been many times when the story of the festival could have ended – it’s been a tumultuous few years for us and our artists.
“But through those challenging moments, we kept believing in the idea that VAULT Festival can affect positive change in our world through joy and creativity. Our resolve has been pushed to the limit.
“But we’re back. And we can’t wait to share these fantastic artists and shows with everyone!”
Alongside the renowned programme of live theatre and performance, VAULT Comedy Festival is the first chance to see fresh material from more established comics and debut performances from the next generation of comedic talent.
Brand new this year is The Flair Ground: a special venue built specifically for cabaret, drag, burlesque, circus and performance art talent.
The theme of reclaiming joy runs throughout the festival, considering how we hold onto beauty in bleak circumstances.
Their diverse range of performances includes a long list of acts who have featured at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, such as comedian-turned-magician Joz Norris with his one-man show Blink and Badass Be Thy Name by Police Cops – a ‘stupid’ comedy complete with a ’90s rave soundtrack.
Although not all shows are suitable for children, there is a VAULT Festival family programme which is made for all ages – featuring shows with puppetry and interactive games.
To kick the festival off with a bang, VAULT Festival invite you to their Big Birthday Bash – a night of cabaret and circus – to celebrate over a decade of VAULT Festivals. This event is on Friday, January 27 from 10:30 pm and is for ages 18+.
Head to their website for the full programme and to book tickets to individual shows.
Tickets can also be booked in person at the VAULT Festival Box Office from 5.30 pm during festival opening dates (Tuesday 24th January – Sunday 19th March.) Prices vary, ticketed events start from £6.
