In Jewish tradition, tsitsit are fringes tied to a four-cornered garment. But we are more interested in the different ways contemporary Jewish creativity finds to connect — and the new stories that emerge.
Our approach is simple:
“If it’s Jewish enough for you, it’s Jewish enough for us.”
We welcome artists of all backgrounds whose work connects meaningfully with something Jewish. At the same time, we are particularly committed to creating space, visibility and opportunities for Jewish artists — whether through comedy, music, theatre, spoken word, dance, or the occasional contortionist ceramicist.
So, if you’ve found a Jewish thread you’d like to follow — whether it’s an idea, a work in progress or a show ready to go — take a look at the opportunities in THE FESTIVAL, RESIDENCIES and CONNECTIONS
In Jewish tradition, tsitsit are fringes tied to a four-cornered garment. But we are more interested in the different ways contemporary Jewish creativity finds to connect — and the new stories that emerge.
Our approach is simple:
“If it’s Jewish enough for you, it’s Jewish enough for us.”
We welcome artists of all backgrounds whose work connects meaningfully with something Jewish. At the same time, we are particularly committed to creating space, visibility and opportunities for Jewish artists — whether through comedy, music, theatre, spoken word, dance, or the occasional contortionist ceramicist.
So, if you’ve found a Jewish thread you’d like to follow — whether it’s an idea, a work in progress or a show ready to go — take a look at the opportunities in THE FESTIVAL, RESIDENCIES and CONNECTIONS
Tsitsit is the world's first and only fringe festival dedicated entirely to Jewish theatre, comedy, and culture.
Launched in the UK, with the first festival taking place in 2021, it provides a crucial platform for emerging and established Jewish creatives to showcase works that explore heritage, identity, and humour through music, stage shows, and spoken word.
The event typically spans across London and other regional venues.
Because exact festival dates and lineups shift each year, it's best to stay in the loop for the upcoming season.
You can check the performance schedule, purchase tickets, or find out how to participate as an artist here on the official Tsitsit Fringe Festival website or by following our Tsitsit Fringe Instagram or Tsitsit Fringe Facebook page
“When we launched Tsitsit we felt sure that there was a need and that it was the right time for a Jewish Fringe Festival. There were many fringe festivals but not one that specifically focused on the work of amazingly talented Jewish creatives and celebrated the treasure trove of Jewish-themed work. We chose the name Tsitsit, a play of course on the Hebrew word for fringe, and the response we have had from theatremakers and theatregoers has been fantastic. Tsitsit is now a recognised event in the UK’s fringe festival calendar.”
Tsitsit: The Jewish Fringe is an independent UK arts festival that showcases contemporary Jewish culture through theatre, comedy, music, poetry, spoken word, and new writing. Its name is a play on the Hebrew word tzitzit (ritual fringes/tassels), linking the idea of a "fringe" festival with a Jewish cultural symbol.
A few key things about it:
What makes it distinctive?
Its motto is: "If it's Jewish enough for you, it's Jewish enough for us."
The festival takes a deliberately broad and inclusive approach to Jewish identity, welcoming work that explores Jewish themes, experiences, and cultures in many different ways.
It aims to support emerging Jewish artists through mentoring, commissions, seed funding, and opportunities to present new work.
When did it start?
The festival launched in 2021 under the direction of Alastair Falk. Falk, who was also involved in founding Limmud, conceived the idea after participating in fringe theatre himself and noticing there was no dedicated Jewish-themed fringe festival.
Where is it held?
Rather than operating from a single venue, Tsitsit is a dispersed festival. Events have been staged across London and other UK locations, using a variety of theatres, arts centres, and community venues.
What kinds of performances appear?
Past programmes have included:
- Stand-up comedy
- New plays and solo shows
- Cabaret
- Klezmer and other Jewish musical traditions
- Literary events and conversations with writers
- Experimental and work-in-progress productions by emerging artists
Why has it attracted attention?
Festival organisers and participants have described it as an important platform for Jewish creatives, particularly at a time when some artists feel there are fewer opportunities for explicitly Jewish-themed work in mainstream arts spaces. The festival has positioned itself both as a celebration of Jewish culture and as a development programme for new creative talent.
Recent activity
By 2025, Tsitsit had reached its fifth year and had become a recognised part of the UK's fringe festival landscape, with events hosted at venues such as JW3 and artsdepot.
COMEDY
- Ivor Dembina
- Rachel Creeger
- Joe Bor
- Aaron Simmonds
- Philip Simon
- Andrea Hubert
- Josh Curiel
- Adam Bloom
MUSIC & KLEZMER
- Noga Ritter
- Oysland
- Buenos Klezmer
- Vache Baroque
- Miriam Kramer
- Rebecca Lea
- Clara Kanter
Theatre and Spoken Word
- Gareth Armstrong performing Shylock
- Solomon, about the Victorian Jewish painter Simeon Solomon
- The Enfield Poltergeist
- Mum Thumb
- Secrets of the London Yiddish Stage
- The Stove (participatory storytelling and communal meal experience)
- Alan Dein presenting Petticoat Lane Foxtrot on Jewish jazz history.
Core leadership
- Alastair Falk — founder and director.
- Sara Feldmann Brummer — curates the music programme.
- Rob Messik — curates theatre and spoken-word programming
Advisory Board
The festival's advisory board is chaired by:
- Stuart MacDonald
Other advisory board members listed include:
- Laurence Miller
- Caroline Friedman
- Katy Lipson
Cabaret and Song
One of the festival's larger musical events was An Evening of Kander & Ebb, featuring:
- Thelma Ruby
- Liv Andrusier
- A cast drawn from London's Jewish West End community.
Patrons
Tsitsit's patrons include:
- Laurence Marks
- Maurice Gran
- Simon Schama
- Lucie Skeaping