Fringe in the Stings ready to excite Bay audiences

Jed Parsons (left), Josh Logan, Sam Logan and Tom Knowles at their hometown in Blenheim earlier this year where they performed two sell-out shows. Photo/Supplied

Hastings is set to get funky as Fringe in the Stings kicks off tomorrow with everything from 80s rock and roll to comedy shows "like no other".

Thirty-seven shows will be performed from Thursday through to Saturday bringing some of the country's finest talent to Hastings.

Fringe committee chairwoman Andrea Taafe said it was the perfect opportunity for people to support local and national acts right in their backyard.

"People don't have to travel to the big smoke to see some of these amazing acts as we are bringing them here, it is all so accessible."

Making it even more accessible this year was the placement of the four Hastings locations.

The Common Room, the Hastings Function Centre, The Eastbourne and the new venue, The Green Room, were all in walking distance of one another.

Ms Taafe said The Green Room was an exciting new space that was the "jewel in their crown".

"I think people will get a real surprise as it is a real goody."

One of the acts this year includes "Tom Knowles - Allergic to Love, Curse of the 80s", performing for the first time in Hastings.

Director Tom Knowles said if people wanted to see a show where theatre and gig collided this was the event to come too.

The group won the New Zealand Fringe Touring Award and before coming to the Bay played in San Diego, Mexico, Fiji and other parts of the country.

"This show is a whole lot of fun and takes you into a wild world of the 80s. We will be rocking leopard skin tights and glam rock wigs as we provide you with a crazy experience."

Mr Knowles said the show was different to your usual fringe show and the rock opera was about a man who was allergic to love and broke into 80s rock ballads just at the thought of love.

Another act coming to the festival this year was Christchurch comedian Cameron McLeod, bringing his show, This is Steve.

The show is about Mr McLeod's alter ego Steve and he is a normal performer apart from the fact he doesn't speak.

"This is Steve is a comedy show like no other, something that can't be explained, but has to be seen to be believed."

Ms Taafe said ticket sales were tracking nicely ahead of the festival and were on par with last year.

"Most Hawke's Bay audiences buy their tickets late but there will also be a lot of walk ups. Last year we sold out 80 per cent of our shows and I think we will be on track to do the same this year."

For more information on the shows and for tickets visit: www.fringeinthestings.co.nz/2017programme.