Walk the Fringe | Classic Connoisseur | FRINGE WORLD - 21 January

CLASSIC CONNOISSEUR

A considered night out for those who value craft, curiosity, and cultural depth.

The Classic Connoisseur guide is designed for audiences who enjoy refined food and drink, intelligent performance, and the pleasure of discovering something new, without rushing or excess. Expect thoughtful pacing, elevated venues, and performances that linger long after curtain call.

All experiences sit within Perth’s compact city centre, allowing the evening to unfold smoothly and unhurried, with short transitions between each stop.

DRINKS

Begin the evening with intention. These bars favour precision, atmosphere, and conversation. Places where the lighting is warm, the music is low, and the first drink signals the start of a carefully curated night.

Located within easy reach of one another, they allow for a gentle progression without the need to travel far.

Varnish on King

Hidden below street level, Varnish on King is an intimate whisky bar with serious credentials. Leather booths, thoughtful service, and a sense of quiet indulgence make it ideal for settling in.

🍷Order this: A classic Old Fashioned or a curated whiskey bacon flight (yes, it’s real, and it's spectacular).

🌟Best for: Small to medium groups who enjoy a dark and cosy atmosphere.

Petition Wine Merchant

A European-style wine bar and cellar rolled into one. Petition Wine Merchant is relaxed but refined, offering exceptional wines and a sense of calm in the middle of the city.

🍷Order this: A sommelier-recommended glass of WA red

🌟Best for: Medium groups, especially for a pre-dinner tipple

Terrarium

An elevated rooftop setting with city views and a polished cocktail list. Terrarium strikes the balance between sophistication and ease, particularly at golden hour.

🍷Order this: Mulberry smash or a dry martini.

🌟Best for: Medium groups earlier in the evening to soak up that rooftop atmosphere.

EATS

Dinner is a central pillar of the evening - unhurried, accomplished, and rewarding. These venues offer confident cooking and service, all within close proximity to Fringe venues, allowing you to dine well without compromising show time.

Balthazar

A Perth institution known for its seasonal menus and extensive wine list. Balthazar delivers consistency, elegance, and quiet confidence.

✅Why it works: Impeccable service in a refined atmosphere

🛎️Order this: Beef Fillet and duck fat potatoes – treat yourself and go for a matching wine

Lalla Rookh

Classic Italian dining done properly. Warm, welcoming, and timeless, Lalla Rookh is ideal for shared conversation and a relaxed pre-theatre pace. Lalla Rookh will also be offering FRINGE WORLD Ticket Holders one free house beverage when they present their ticket on the day of the show.

✅Why it works: Reliable excellence, generous portions and a beautifully curated wine selection.

🛎️Order this: Time your night right, and you just might have time for the Chef’s tasting menu.

Shadow Bar & Kitchen

Modern Australian dining with a moody edge. Shadow offers bold flavours in a stylish setting, perfect for those wanting something contemporary yet polished.

✅Why it works: Central location, confident menu, stylish dining room.

🛎️Order this: Some fresh oysters, seasonal share plates and a classic cocktail.

IT'S SHOWTIME

These Fringe selections prioritise craft, originality, and intelligence - performances that invite reflection, delight, and conversation. Each venue sits comfortably within the City of Perth’s cultural core, allowing for a seamless transition from dinner to theatre.

EVENT INFORMATION 🗓️🕒📍✨

Aces at the Maj

A polished variety showcase featuring standout Fringe talent in one of Perth’s most iconic venues.

📍Location📍
His Majesty’s Theatre

👏Why Classic Connoisseurs will love it👏
High-calibre performance in a heritage setting - classic Fringe, in an elevated setting.

All Horn-ed Up! with the Two Cent Professionals

A playful yet musically accomplished performance blending jazz, comedy, and theatrical flair.

📍Location📍
The Ellington Jazz Club

👏Why Classic Connoisseurs will love it👏
Expert musicianship with a sense of humour - light-hearted without being lightweight.

All Horn-ed Up! with the Two Cent Professionals

Kirsty Mann: CORPSE

A sharp, darkly funny, and thought-provoking solo work exploring mortality, identity, and performance with intelligence and restraint.

📍Location📍
The Pleasure Garden

👏Why Classic Connoisseurs will love it👏
Witty, cerebral, and quietly powerful - a show that rewards attention and reflection.

Wright & Grainger’s ORPHEUS

A bold reimagining of the myth of Orpheus, blending storytelling, music, and contemporary theatrical techniques.

📍Location📍
State Theatre Centre of WA

👏Why Classic Connoisseurs will love it👏
Intelligent, inventive, and emotionally resonant. Fringe storytelling at its best.

SIDE QUESTS

For those who like to extend the evening with quiet discovery. These cultural add-ons offer visual and contemplative experiences, all within easy walking distance of performance venues.

WA Museum Boola Bardip wall with light projections

Illuminate Art Projections

Large-scale digital art projections illuminating the WA Museum Boola Bardip after dark.

A gentle, visually striking way to move between dinner and drinks - art experienced at your own pace.

Pippin Drysdale: Infinite Terrain

Visit the Art Gallery of Western Australia (AGWA) for a richly textured exhibition exploring landscape, materiality, and place. It offers a rare opportunity to explore Drysdale’s adventurous spirit, collaborative processes, and her singular ability to interpret the world through porcelain.

A calm, immersive cultural moment that complements an arts-led Fringe evening.