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What: Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival
Where: Various locations, including Victoria Event Centre, Langham Court Theatre, Metro Studio Theatre and more
When: Aug. 22-Sept. 2
Tickets: $11 and under with $6 membership button at Ticket Rocket (101–804ÌýBroughton St.) andÌýFringe HQ (1609 Blanshard St.)
Information: victoriafringe.com

What stands out amongst the lineup of international artists staging 47 performances at this year’s Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival are the local contributions, from artists both well-known and yet-to-be discovered.

Fringe festivals worldwide share the same homegrown philosophy, which makes each instalment unique. While acclaimed touring artists raise the visibility of each Fringe, devoted audiences will always pay special attention to what artists are creating in their own backyard. With that in mind, here are some of the must-see performances on tap tonight through Sept. 2 at the 32nd Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival.

SHERLOCK HOLMES & THE CURSE OF MORIARTY

Aug. 23-Sept. 1, Langham Court Theatre (805 Langham Ct.)

Expectations are sky high for the latest project from writer-director David Elendune, who brings Sir Arthur Conan Doyle to the Langham Court stage with a new script based on Sherlock Holmes. This apocalyptic adventure won’t be for everyone (the show features warnings of coarse language, adult themes and violence), but those familiar with production company Outpost 31 — winner of the most awards at last year’s Victoria Fringe — know to expect material of the highest quality. More wins are forthcoming for Elendune, judging by the advance hype.

FADO

Aug. 23-Sept. 1, White Eagle Polish Hall (90 Dock St.).

Local music fans will notice at least a few notable names in this new play from Puente Theatre, including guitarist Dan Wise and singer Sara Marreiros (who portrays the ghost of Amália Rodrigues, the iconic Portuguese fadista). But this is nothing if not a complete production from the creators of the 2015 Victoria Fringe hit, Lieutenant Nun. An added bonus on select dates (Aug. 23-24, Aug. 31, Sept. 1) will see Fado followed by a concert by Marreiros, which is included in the ticket price. This run offers an embarrassment of riches, including Patricia Reilly’s period costume and set design.

THE MEASURE OF LOVEÌýÌý

Aug. 23-Sept. 2, Langham Court Theatre (805 Langham Ct.)

There’s a distinct buzz surrounding The Measure of Love, which was a hit at the Victoria Fringe 10 years ago. This long-awaited remount features the originals leads — Jean Topham and Geli Bartlett — which is good news for those eager for a second helping. It remains to be seen what effect the passage of time has had on the writing in this acclaimed drama, but given the rich subject matter (The Measure of Love explores the notion of friendship between two women) it certainly has the potential to take new shape. With direction from Wendy Merk and two stellar leads, The Measure of Love won’t be arriving under the radar this time around.

CORNELIUS & TITANIA OR, A TRAGEDY OF THE COMMONS ( A COMEDY)

Aug. 24-Sept. 2, St. Andrew’s Kirk Hall (680 Courtney St.)

Writer-director and Fringe veteran Pamela Bethel created this alternate-reality Shakespearean comedy with actors Tallas Munro and Christina Patterson, and it has the makings an absurdist favourite (it comes with a warning suggesting office humour will be included). Bethel is a real-life childbirth educator and postpartum doula with a degree in theatre from the University of Victoria, so there’s lots to draw on for content. Perhaps none of her real-life escapades make it to the stage here, but Bethel’s track record suggests she’s not above mining the personal for her profession. After the Beep, a favourite for many at last year’s Victoria Fringe, saw Bethel write about 90 minutes of archival answering machine messages from her teen years.

FIELD ZOOLOGY 101

Aug. 27-Sept. 2, The Roxy Theatre (2657 Quadra St.).

Funnyman Shawn O’Hara (as mustachioed zoologist Brad Gooseberry) is expected to draw raves once again for this returning hit. When the name Mike Delamont is found in the production credits, there’s an immediate assumption that quality control has been exercised, and that rings true here. Field Zoology 101 won Best Comedy at the Victoria Fringe in 2016, so a return engagement was inevitable. O’Hara is also a key player in this year’s Fake Ghost Tours 2: Tour Fast Tour Furious, so expect to hear his name often during the coming weeks.

THE WILDS

Aug. 28-Sept. 2, Metro Studio Theatre (1411 Quadra St.).

While it would seem redundant bring attention to the latest production from perennial Best of Fest winners Wonderheads, it would be an omission to skip this adored rumination on life. Kids will love this showcase of otherworldly puppetry, much of which bears the handiwork of UVic grad Kate Braidwood, who recently moved back to the city from Portland, Oregon. Music, movement, and storytelling also play key roles in The Wilds, so the production checks several artistic boxes. With only five performances, it is certain to be sold out.