The “Spirit of Ukraine” comes to the Watford Fringe

An exciting young Ukrainian singer, who featured on “The Voice” but who had to flee to the UK when war broke out, will be performing as part of this year’s Watford Fringe Festival.

Victoria Buleeva, whose stage name is “Victory Ann”, was set to enjoy a dazzling career. Classically trained, yet with a love of performing dramatic rock opera, Victory Ann started her rise to fame as a finalist on the Ukrainian "The Voice" TV show. She sang at a match for FC Dynamo Kyiv at its National Olympic Stadium in 2021 and has also performed on the legendary stage of the Monte Carlo Opera.

However, when Ukraine was invaded she was forced to stop her career and find refuge, eventually arriving in Watford where she discovered a major Ukraine support group - “Sunflower Social Club”, run by Luther Blissett OBE and his partner Lauren Fox. The group features several top musicians and so it was only natural that the idea of a special gala concert was created and to stage it during the annual Watford Fringe Festival.

The audience will be treated to a range of classical, popular and musical theatre pieces, all of which have been chosen to evoke the “Spirit of Ukraine” by reflecting the emotions and strength of those who have been torn away from their loved ones to find safety from the bombings. Music from Phantom of the Opera and other stage shows will be performed alongside powerful songs by Christina Aguilera, Beyonce and others. They have all been chosen to capture the mystical folklore and powerful resilience of Ukraine’s people.

The concert will take place on 8 October from 7.30pm at St Mary’s Church in Watford town centre, a venue renowned for its incredible acoustics. Other surprise performers will be announced in the coming week or two. The production is black tie, a chance to dress up and share in the special atmosphere being created for this one evening.

Funds raised by the concert will go towards the Sunflower Social Club obtaining essential aid for contacts working on the frontline in Ukraine and to help their musicians trying to re-establish their lives.

Victory Ann said: “I’m really excited to be performing in Watford, which has been so welcoming of Ukrainians, especially through this wonderful Sunflower Social Club. Being able to perform and invite some top-level artists to join me in creating a really special concert is just fantastic.”

The Watford Fringe is now in its seventh year and venues across Watford will host an extraordinary live line-up of great theatre, music, comedy, dance, magic and family fun-filled shows.

The 2023 Fringe is shaping up to be the most entertaining yet with more than 70 performances spread over 17 days across Watford between 22 September - 8 October. The box office is now open so people are encouraged to book tickets now to avoid disappointment.

Lee Farman, chair of the Watford Pump House which organises the festival, said: “We’re proud and delighted to be staging ‘Spirit of Ukraine’ as part of this year’s Watford Fringe and hope people will show their support by buying a ticket. The concert is a reminder of the power of music to bring communities together.”

New for Watford Fringe 2023 is a special offer of a 10% discount on tickets if you book four shows or more (*selected performances only). To access the box office and for all the latest news about the festival visit the dedicated website: www.watfringe.co.uk

For more information visit https://watfringe.co.uk/events/dukh-ukraiiny-spirit-of-ukraine/