Vault Festival 2017: An underground Fringe in the heart of London

For those who can’t make the slog to Edinburgh each year, the Vault Festival provides a chance to savour the same kind of idiosyncratic material that finds its way to the Fringe, just not in Scotland but beneath Waterloo station. This year the festival runs until the 5^th March, not only utilising its Underground home but satellite venues Network Theatre and Morley College. Boldly diverse, the programme features a myriad of shows exploring many themes via many more mediums. New bars and a fresh food offering, plus a dazzling array of late night parties complete a must-do destination event for the New Year.

For all six weeks at Vault, The Great Gatsby presented by The Guild of Misrule in association with The Immersive Ensemble and Perrier Jouët, will be performed across multiple spaces, ensuring every audience a unique experience, and rewarding those who dive deepest into Jay Gatsby’s world. Following on from Jurassic Park, their hit 2016 comedy, Superbolt Theatre return to Vault with Mars Actually, which features in Proxima V, a new pulse of Space and Sci-Fi-themed events.

In collaboration with UCL Institute of Neurology, Thought to Flesh explores motor neuron disease (MND) in a spoken word, multi-media and movement interpretation. Heading up a wide circus programme, the contemporary spectacular Becoming Shades transfers from a sell-out run at Jackson’s Lane.

Every week, Vault Film Festival premiers numerous exciting shorts and features, including are dark_net starring Johnny Vegas and Love Comes Later, a London premiere staring Sarita Choudhury (Homeland). Laughs-a-plenty are in store in Adele Is Younger Than Us, giving voice to a generation of frustrated “not-quite-Adeles”. Meanwhile the Vault Comedy Festival also promises a fresh line-up stepping up to the mic.

At Vault, when the curtain comes down the band starts up. Dance the night away every weekend at huge themed parties including the Valentine’s Ball, London’s favourite Mardi Gras party, Jay Gatsby’s own party weekend and more. Time Out present the Opening and Closing parties of the festival with music specially curated by their talented team.

Food at Vault Festival will arrive in the form of Balkano, a kitchen inspired by chef Martin H Shaw’s exploration of Eastern Europe. Shaw has worked for the Conran Group, alongside Tom Aiken and at the award-winning Cake Shop Bakery, Woodbridge. At Balkano he offers up heart-warming dishes including Hungary Hot Potato and Smoky Serb Salsa, plus larger plates such as Chicken or Courgette Souvlaki with Labneh.

Two new themed bars presented in collaboration with Meantime & Campari will provide ample space to enjoy craft beers and cocktails. Spaces for any occasion, whether joining the party or seeking a secluded spot, will be available. Entry to Vault Festival’s bar spaces is free so guests are welcome to simply come and enjoy the ambience.

Connor Campbell

Vault Festival runs from 25^th January until 5^th March 2017, for further information or to book a visit here.