Chapter
Jul 31 2018
With the Fringe, International Festival, International Book Festival, and Book Fringe upon us, the question of the month is: what to see?
This is my sixth time at the Fringe, and fourth as a local. When I open my calendar and the festival guides, here’s what I’m looking for.
There are thousands of options, and my priority is variety. I want to see new and exciting shows that will inspire in ways I can’t even imagine yet.
^^ Oh I’m getting excited just attempting to describe the magic that’s about to happen here!
I used to live across the street from a great free fringe venue. I could have walked out my door and into the venue in 20 seconds. But I never went. Why why why?
Take a chance on the venue nearest you, and watch your neighbourhood transform into art.
Go to Edfringe.com and search for some of your favourite performers – they might just be here! We’ve seen Axis of Awesome and Reduced Shakespeare Company this way.
Immersive, preferably, but see something that embraces its venue in a unique way.
Traverse is doing another series of Breakfast Plays, and Shakespeare for Breakfast is a safe option (although it’s already selling out!).
My personal preference is literary improv, but you can find every flavour of improv imaginable, so seek out your favourite niche.
A lot of the Edinburgh Magic Festival is here for the Fringe as well, including their site-specific Secret Rooms!
Some of the most imaginative and fun theatre is family theatre. Half the joy of the experience is the kids’ unabashed awe, a reminder to have a great time myself.
Not just an improvised musical, although I suppose that counts.
Support your friends!
Arrive early to ensure that you get a seat, and plan to go attend early in the festival just in case. I’m sad to say that I missed Dave Chawner’s show last year because I didn’t prioritise it early enough. Bring cash to tip the performer afterwards!
Take a break from theatre and comedy and enjoy music. A few years ago seeing Karine Polwart was the mindful, folk break I needed to refuel mid-festival.
Don’t forget about the Book Festival! At the very least, get a sampling at Ten at Ten: free, ten-minute readings every morning (but book your ticket in advance).
While you’re at it, check out the Book Fringe at Lighthouse and Golden Hare! Events are free and unticketed, with a lot of author overlap with the International Book festival.
The Fringe may have surpassed Edinburgh’s original festival in size, but don’t overlook the International programme!
I adore the enthusiasm and spirit of the Korean Season performers. Every year they are first on the Royal Mile in the morning promoting their shows. This attitude carries through their performances, which are full of zest. And I like to celebrate my heritage :)
The centre of the festival, in my opinion (and I’m not alone in that), with a thoughtful and diverse programme. If you’re ever overwhelmed by all the festival has to offer, just narrow it down to what’s on at Summerhall.
Edinburgh’s New Writing venue has a particularly exciting lineup this year. Go to their breakfast plays for a double tick!
It’s worth mentioning that shows are not always on at the same time at the Traverse. Check the listings to get the full picture.
Dedicate an afternoon to embracing the flyerers. Walk down the Royal Mile shopping for theatre.
Chat with the people handing you the leaflets, especially if it’s the performer flyering for their own shows. This is unbelievably tiring and I like to reward their effort.
Go to something just because a friend is going. Let them introduce you to something they’re excited about. This is how I found out about Josie Long and Chris Gethard.
A new type of dance, physical theatre, circus, spoken word, opera… There must be something completely new and strange that you’ve never seen before!
Take advantage of how many productions from different countries are here at the same time, and travel the globe via their performances. I’ve never been to Argentina but I’ve seen Un Poyo Rojo. (Thanks Katie for this idea!)
I wrote for them back in the day, and that’s how I know they’re great ;) They cover lesser known productions and are great for finding hidden gems. I discovered Lucy, Lucy, and Lucy Barfield through them *before* Lyn Gardner wrote about it. Speaking of which…
My favourite theatre critic, Lyn Gardner, is a true champion of theatre. Last year half the things I saw were by her recommendation. I’ve bookmarked her profile on The Stage to read every morning. Here’s her guide to the festival this year.
Don’t try to see something awful, but if you do leave a show going this is terrible, congratulations, you get to check it off this list! It’s all part of the experience.
Anything I’ve missed? How do you decide what shows to see?
P.S. A lot of my favourite performers from 2017 are back!
P.P.S. If you need to get some work done between shows: Best Edinburgh Cafés with WiFi by Neighbourhood
