Surrey newcomers Sandy More and Stephen Thakkar debut daring shows at Vancouver Fringe 2025, sparking laughs, questions, and bold conversations.
A Festival That Celebrates the Bold
The Vancouver Fringe Festival is back, bigger than ever. Running from September 4–11, the 2025 edition features 87 shows and nearly 700 performances across theatre, comedy, music, dance, drag, and more. Among the lineup are two Surrey-based artists stepping onto the Fringe stage for the first time, each bringing fresh stories and fearless creativity.
Sandy More’s Candid Take on ADHD Parenting
For her debut, Surrey’s Sandy More introduces a solo show with a title that instantly grabs attention: The Only Double D’s I’ve Got Are In My Diagnosis.
Performed at Revue Stage on Granville Island, the piece dives into the realities of parenting with ADHD while raising children who face their own challenges. More was diagnosed when her son was in Grade 4—he’s now 21—and she channels that lived experience into a mix of humor and heartfelt honesty.
“The title always makes people smile,” More explained. “Sometimes they don’t get it right away, but when they do, they laugh. And that’s exactly the kind of connection I want.”
For her, the Fringe is the perfect place to share a personal yet universally relatable story, and she’s leaning into the festival’s reputation as a safe and supportive stage for daring voices.
Stephen Thakkar’s Streetwise Comedy with a Twist
On the other side of Granville Island, Stephen Thakkar is transforming his life as a street musician into a sharp, thought-provoking comedy. His show, Get The F** Off My Corner*, kicks off September 5 in Railspur Alley, an outdoor venue that echoes his background as a seasoned busker.
The 45-minute performance explores the tension between buskers and panhandlers, asking: Who really deserves your loose change? The show, co-starring Isaac Stuber Li, balances humor with compassion, aiming to humanize homelessness rather than reduce it to a punchline.
“I’ve had countless conversations with homeless folks and organizations like United Gospel Mission,” Thakkar shared. “The goal isn’t to mock but to shine a light on the ethical dilemmas we face in everyday life.”
His stage will mimic a real busking setup—complete with blankets and lawn chairs for the audience. And if the Vancouver rain decides to join in? Thakkar has a backup plan: a borrowed Granville Island busking tent.
Fringe 2025: The Biggest Since Before the Pandemic
This year marks the 41st Vancouver Fringe Festival, spread across 19 venues. Artists enter through a lottery system, paying a small fee to perform, while keeping all ticket profits. It’s a model designed to put creators first and encourage experimentation.
Executive director Duncan Watts-Grant says 2025 will be the largest edition since pre-pandemic times. “We’ve expanded programming and made tickets affordable, priced between $16 and $20. You don’t even need a membership this year. We want everyone to experience the magic of live performance.”
Alongside ticketed shows, the festival offers free nightly music at the all-ages Fringe Bar and family-friendly programming through Kids Fringe. Performers hail from across the globe, from Canada to Japan to Australia.
First-Time Fringe Performers, Full-Time Dreamers
For both More and Thakkar, performing at the Fringe is a leap into the unknown, but one filled with excitement.
More, who describes herself as a “celebration instigator,” is ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even throw herself a birthday party on stage during the run. Thakkar, meanwhile, blends his theatre background and street music roots into a piece that’s as raw as it is thought-provoking.
The result? Two rookie shows that embody the Fringe spirit: bold, experimental, and utterly unforgettable.
Follow us on Facebook to join our growing community!
