VENUE GUIDE 2026
Version 1 0
Use this guide to find out more about this year’s Ventnor Fringe venues. Full floor plans will be available in version 2.0
If your show doesn’t suit any of the venues please get in touch artists@vfringe.co.uk and we may still be able to help find you a suitable space.
Alternatively, if you have already identified another venue in Ventnor that is not part of this guide and you would like to organise independently please tell us in your registration form.
Please note, Ventnor Fringe reserves the right to alter the technical specification of its venues without prior notice or consultation.
The Arena
Fringe Village, Flowersbrook, Steephill Road (PO38 1LF)
Capacity: Approx 270
Dimensions and general information
> The Arena has a real wow factor and was newly commissioned for Ventnor Fringe in 2025 It is a Big Top tent with raked seating in semi thrust
> It is situated at Flowersbrook, near Ventnor Park and part of the Fringe Village area.
> This venue suits larger scale circus, dance, theatre and cabaret It is not primarily designed for gigs during Ventnor Fringe and does not have a backline provided unless agreed in advance
> This venue has a full PA, lighting rig and radio mics available. The playing area of the stage is approx 10mx10m, in semi thrust, with a circular apron into the auditorium.
> The Big Top itself provides a good black out, and the upstage and wings are draped
> There is no grid across the whole stage, but lighting is rigged to the two king poles, four queen poles, within the cupola, on truss and booms. The height to the cupola from the stage is approx 10m
> There is generous wing space and backstage crossover with a good amount of US space which can be use as shared storage.
> There is a dedicated backstage tent, providing dressing rooms with power, mirrors and toilets However there are no shower or laundry facilities in the venue
Access
> The Arena has step free access with a ramped entrance and dedicated wheelchair spaces The site itself also has step free access but the main entrance is quite steep An alternative route from the backstage car park is available and less steep
> There is a dedicated backstage car park approx 200m from the venue. Any vehicle larger than a 7.5 tonne truck will not be allowed any closer to the venue than the backstage car park
> All vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted.
Staging
> The Arena stage is built using steeldeck and bespoke steel staging low to the ground with raked seating.
> There is no traditional counterweight or hemp flying in this space therefore all flown elements will need to be discussed and designed into the venues rigging in advance The coppola has a 1 tonne working load.
> Aerial acts will need to provide details of their rigging and technical requirements to ensure the venue is designed to accommodate their needs
> A variety of drapes can be used to screen stage wings and alter the upstage position.
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted.
> It is worth ensuring that your set is light yet durable enough to withstand daily movement and dismantling
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> For The Arena the lighting and sound rig is normally designed in consultation with each company, taking into account this venue has to accommodate more complex requirements.
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of 10x LED profiles (Chauvet Ovation E-910FC) providing full stage coverage and 15 x PAR cans (Chauvet COLORdash PAR H12) providing full range of colour front, backlight and sidelight washes There are also 4 x moving head profile fixtures FOH and 4 x moving heads in the cupola rig.
> Lighting desk: ETC ION or equivalent
> Sound desk: Midas M32r compact digital mixer or equivalent
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment. Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure.
Staffing and Operators
> The Arena will be staffed by 1x Venue Manager, 1x Stage Manager, 1 x Technician and supported by Multi Skilled Volunteer Venue Crew and Stewards
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances.
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills.
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk assessment when they submit their technical rider.
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement.
> The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted in this venue
> Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others.
Venue Exterior
Venue Interior
Venue Plans
Stage plan and lighting plans to follow
Bosco Theatre
Fringe Village, Park Avenue (PO38 1LE)
Capacity: Approx 185
Dimensions and general information
> The Bosco Theatre sits in the heart of the Fringe Village, close to the main entrance of Ventnor Park. It is an original Dutch "Kermis-circus" tent which was built in 1909. It was used by the Ophof family who performed their own family circus in it.
> This is a round structure with a diameter of almost 13 meters under a steep canvas roof rising to around 7 meters It is a darkened space in brown and red with a wooden stage floor. There is raked bench seating for 185 people in a half moon shape.
> The performing area is 7 meters deep in the middle and 13 meters wide US is covered by a black backdrop
> The Bosco Theatre combines great intimacy with a considerable capacity for an audience. A very fine setting for children's theatre, musical acts, stand-up comedians, puppet theatre and cabaret in particular.
> There is a dedicated backstage tent, providing dressing rooms with power, mirrors and toilets However there are no showers or laundry facilities in the venue
Access
> The Bosco Theatre has a single step or ramped entrance onto the stage, with the seating raked up from the stage Wheelchair spaces are available on the front row The site itself also has step free access
> There is a dedicated backstage car park approx 3mins drive from the venue. It is approx 100m walk from the unloading point to the venue
> All vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted
Staging
> The Bosco Theatre has a hardwood stage built low to the ground with raked seating. The stage is natural wood rather than black
> It is not possible to rig any set or flown elements above the stage in this venue
> There are exits/entrances on both sides of the stage, though no screened wings
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted
> It is worth ensuring that your set is light yet durable enough to withstand daily movement and dismantling
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of 4x LED profiles (Chauvet Ovation E-910FC) providing SL, UP, DS, SR focus and 5 x PAR cans (Chauvet COLORdash PAR H12) providing a full range of colour washes There are also 4 x moving head profile fixtures FOH and 4 x moving heads in the cupola rig
> Lighting desk: ETC ColorSource 20 or equivalent
> Sound desk: Allen & Heath ZED 14 mixer or equivalent
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment. Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance.
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure
Staffing and Operators
> The Bosco Theatre will be staffed by 1x Stage Manager and 1x Assistant Stage Manager who will also act as your Technicians, supported by volunteer Stewards
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills.
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk assessment when they submit their technical rider.
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement. The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted. Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue.
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others
Venue Exterior
Venue Interior
Venue Plans
The Bijou
Fringe Village, Park Avenue (PO38 1LE)
Capacity: Approx 50
Dimensions and general information
> The Bijou is located in the Fringe Village, close to the main entrance of Ventnor Park. It is a small marquee, with a distinctive Indian pattern on the walls.
> This is a square structure with a diameter of 75 meters, seating approx 50 around a small raised stage
> The performing area is approx 6m x 3m
> As the name suggests, The Bijou is an intimate venue that works well for shows with simple tech that want a cosy atmosphere Well suited to poetry, storytelling, solo music shows, talks, childrens shows
> There is a dedicated backstage tent, providing dressing rooms with power, mirrors and toilets However there are no showers or laundry facilities in the venue
Access
> The Bijou is all on ground level except for the stage itself. The site location also has step free access.
> There is a dedicated backstage car park approx 3mins drive from the venue It is approx 60m walk from the unloading point to the venue
> All vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted.
Staging
> The Bijou has a small 6mx3m raised stage built with litedeck The audience are all seated on one level in folding chairs.
> It is not possible to rig any set or flown elements above the stage in this venue
> There are exits/entrances on both sides of the stage, though no screened wings
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted.
> It is worth ensuring that your set is light yet durable enough to withstand daily movement and dismantling
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of 6 x LED PAR cans providing a full range of RGBW colour washes
> Lighting desk: ADJ Scene Setter 24 or equivalent
> Sound desk: Allen & Heath ZED 14 mixer or equivalent
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment. Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible. As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance.
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure
Staffing and Operators
> The Bijou will be staffed by 1x Stage Manager who will also act as your Technician, supported by volunteer Stewards
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals. Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk assessment when they submit their technical rider
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement
> The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted
> Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue.
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot.
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others
Venue Interior
Stage plan and lighting plans to follow
Ingrams Yard
Dudley Road (PO38 1EF)
Capacity: Approx 70
Dimensions and general information
> Ingrams Yard is a set of buildings housing a makerspace with a range of studios. During the festival it is transformed into a pop up venue, with a bar and food in a small outdoor yard that gives the venue its name The main performance space is located on the first floor in the old carpentry workshop
> The stage x5m with a capacity of 55 but can be reduced x3m to increase the capacity to 70.
> Ingrams Yard is perfect for comedy, solo shows, small scale theatre productions and puppetry
> There is a dressing room. However there are no showers or laundry facilities in the venue.
Access
> The theatre at Ingrams Yard is located on the first floor, with approx 15 steps to access
> There are a number of car parks close by on Dudley Road. Vehicles can unload on site but all vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted
Staging
> Ingrams Yard stage area is - - on ground level, with raked seating.
> It is not possible to rig any set or flown elements above the stage in this venue
> There are exits/entrances on SR only
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted.
> It is worth ensuring that your set is light yet durable enough to withstand daily movement and dismantling
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant
materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of 6 x LED PAR cans providing a full range of RGBW colour washes A Chauvet DJ - EVE E-50Z profile for spotlighting and additional PAR cans for side angles or backlight.
> ETC Nomad or equivalent
> Sound desk: Allen & Heath ZED 14 mixer or equivalent
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment. Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible. As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure
Staffing and Operators
> Ingrams Yard will be staffed by 1x Stage Manager and 1x Assistant Stage Manager who will also act as your Technicians, supported by volunteer Stewards.
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement.
> The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted
> Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue.
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others
Venue Exterior assessment when they submit their technical rider
Stage plan and lighting plans to follow
Venue Interior
St. Catherine’s Church
Church Street (PO38 1SW)
Capacity: Approx 150
Dimensions and general information
> Traditional church with modern facilities like chairs instead of pews, modern toilets etc, located opposite the festival Box Office Ventnor Exchange. The Makers Market also takes place here on both Saturday’s of the festival
> There is no blackout in this venue, and lighting is used primarily to illuminate the stage and architectural features rather than plotted stage lighting
> There is a good quality grand piano available to hire.
> This venue is particularly well suited to concerts The church is open to a wide variety of styles and genres but artists should bear in mind this is a functioning place of worship
Access
> St Catherine's Church is all one level except for the stage itself The site location also has step free access and accessible toilets
> There are two dedicated car parking spaces for performers.
> All vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted
Staging
> St Catherine’s Church has a small raised stage built with litedeck The audience are all seated on one level
> It is not possible to rig any set or flown elements above the stage in this venue
> There are exits/entrances on both sides of the stage, though no screened wings
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B,S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of 6 x LED PAR cans providing a full range of RGBW colour washes.
> Lighting desk: ADJ Scene Setter 24 or equivalent
> Sound desk: Allen & Heath ZED 14 mixer or equivalent.
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team.
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure.
Staffing and Operators
> St Catherine’s Church will be staffed by 1x Stage Manager who will also act as your Technician, supported by volunteer Stewards.
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances.
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills.
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk assessment when they submit their technical rider
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the
Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement
> The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted.
> Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot.
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others
Venue Exterior
Venue Interior
Ventnor Arts Club
Ventnor High Street (PO38 1RZ)
Capacity: 45 seated / 36 for film screenings
ings. This venue also has a blackout and is well located in the middle of the High Street. Suitable for: musicians, talks, film screenings, stand up comedy.
Dimensions and general information
> Ventnor Arts Club is a unique, intimate performance space, taking the form of a converted 1920’s bank. It runs day to day as a private members club but opens up to the public during the festival There is a basic PA and audio playback plus a HD projector and surround sound for film screenings
> Ventnor Arts Club has a luxurious atmosphere with armchairs for seating and a bar in the old vaults!
> The Arts Club is perfect for stand up comedy, small scale cabaret, intimate concerts, talks and film screenings There is also an upright piano available
> There is a dressing room. However there are no showers or laundry facilities in the venue.
Access
> There are two small steps at the entrance and the venue ’ s toilets are located on the first floor.
> Ventnor Arts Club is located on the High Street and there is no parking immediately adjacent to the venue There are car parks a short walk up the road and at The Grove on Marlborough Road
Staging
> There is no raised stage at Ventnor Arts Club, but the performance space is marked out with a red curtain backdrop The flooring is carpeted and so not suitable for those requiring a hardwood stage
> There are no wings or backstage areas, beyond a dressing room space which is accessed from the rear of the auditorium.
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted
> It is worth ensuring that your set is light yet durable enough to withstand daily movement and dismantling.
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Lighting & Sound
> As a guide, this venue's house rig consists of mini LED PAR’s and birdies These produce a decorative, ambient atmosphere. There is no lighting desk but a blackout is available.
> Sound desk: TBC
> To comply with our electrical safety risk assessment, companies cannot tour in their own lighting equipment Set electrics and practicals will be considered, but must be electrically safe, have a valid PAT test certificate and are at the discretion of the Ventnor Fringe Technical team.
> Once the venue rig is confirmed, It is not possible to refocus or re-gel in between shows, however re-patching of generics will be possible As the generic rig is used and relied upon by all shows, re-focusing of the generic rig is not possible under any circumstance.
> There is no video equipment provided as part of the basic venue technical infrastructure
Staffing and Operators
> Ingrams Yard will be staffed by 1x Stage Manager who will also act as your Technician, supported by volunteer Stewards
> They are there to ensure the venue operates smoothly and safely to time and will be on hand to assist with your turnarounds, program lighting, sound during your tech and operate during your performances.
> Ventnor Fringe is a training ground and we are proud to provide hands-on experience to a number of apprentices and volunteers during the Fringe, who work alongside more experienced professionals. Please be respectful that volunteers may still be developing their skills.
Health & Safety
> All visiting productions must submit a show specific risk assessment and fire risk assessment when they submit their technical rider
> The use of smoke, haze, strobe, laser effects in your production must be cleared with the Venue Manager in advance and must accompany a sufficient risk assessment and method statement
> The use of pyrotechnic effects or naked flames will not be permitted
> Ventnor Fringe does not permit smoking in any venue.
> It will be the responsibility of the visiting company to ensure that each turn around is planned and carried out safely each day and that this is rehearsed as part of your technical rehearsal slot.
> All accidents, incidents or near misses must be reported to your Venue Manager at the time it happened as it is our responsibility to ensure your safety and prevent injury to others
Venue Exterior
Venue Interior
Pier Street Playhouse
Ventnor Baptist Church, Pier Street (PO38 1SJ)
Capacity: Approx 60
Dimensions and general information
> The Pier Street Playhouse is an intimate performance space located on the ground floor of Ventnor Baptist Church in a community hall. There is a raised stage area. The venue is in a great location with good footfall, approx 3 mins walk from Ventnor Exchange, Ventnor Arts Club, St Catherine’s Church and Ingrams Yard which are all located in the town centre
> There is a partial blackout in this venue, and only basic stage lighting for simple effects
> This venue is particularly well suited to daytime children’s shows, community theatre groups, new writing and small scale theatre
> The church is open to a wide variety of styles and genres but artists should bear in mind this is a functioning place of worship.
Access
> The Pier Street Playhouse is all one level except for the stage itself The site location also has step free access and accessible toilets.
> There is no dedicated parking but car parks nearby on Dudley Road or High Street
> All vehicle movement must be scheduled in advance, and no unauthorised vehicle movement will be permitted.
Staging
> Pier Street Playhouse has a permanent small raised stage measuring approx 4mx7m The audience are all seated on one level
> It is not possible to rig any set or flown elements above the stage in this venue.
> There is a backstage entrance located centre up stage A black draped backdrop, and partially screened wings
> Screwing into the venue floor or walls is not permitted.
> All scenic elements and props must be constructed from inherently flame retardant materials or be suitable treated to meet fire classification (UK Class 1) or (Euroclass B, S1, D0)
Venue Interior
Site Specific Venues
Do you have a show or installation that would suit a more unusual space? We have some allocated sites at the festival that are able to accommodate this Please get in touch if you would like more information as these locations are designed and programmed dependent on artist proposals
The Garage
Ingrams Yard, Dudley Road (PO38 1EF)
Characterful self contained garage unit located at Ingrams Yard Roller doors open out onto the road with two large windows looking out into the yard Power and water on site
The Container
Ingrams Yard, Dudley Road (PO38 1EF)
A 20ft shipping container located in Ingrams Yard Internally insulated and clad in plywood which can be painted. Power on site.
Bonchurch Old Church
Bonchurch Village Road (PO38 1RQ)
Tiny 11th Century church located about 20mins walk from the town centre. Can hold approx 50 people and is perfect for acoustics events Very limited power available and no toilets on site so 60mins shows preferred.
Fringe Square/ The Book Bus
Outside St Catherine’s Church, Church Street (PO38 1SW)
The gravel area in front of St Catherine’s Church and the small garden in the graveyard are spaces open to proposals and ideas A beautiful 1930’s Parisian bus is located here for part of the festival and operates as a pop up book shop, as well as sometimes able to host small performances
