The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has been running for an phenomenal 70 years, and is without doubt the world’s biggest, best, most exciting and most overwhelming arts festival. In a few weeks I’ll be heading up for the second time and have prepared the essential guide, whether you are going up this year or are thinking of going in the future.
- Preparation is everything. Order the programme in advance or download it (browsing shows on the website is way too overwhelming) and don’t forget to follow your favourite performers on Twitter. They announce their shows way before the official programme lands in June, and if it’s a popular act or has a limited run it could sell out before the official programme launch, especially as most venues have limited seats. This year I saw via Twitter that Simon Amstell is performing for three nights only, so snapped up tickets as soon as they went on sale in the spring.
- When it does come to planning, these are your essentials: a notebook, a pen, post-it notes and patience. The programme can be overwhelming as it’s huge, but take a genre at a time, see what grabs you, make a note to come back and research some unknown acts/shows. Accept that you may not get to see every single show you like the look of, but don’t forget a lot of the shows will tour after, especially most of the big name comedians, so consider that if you can’t fit everything in your schedule.
- Plan in a loose schedule but allow some gaps, as once the Fringe launches reviews will come out and it will be easier to take a chance on an unknown show. My favourite show in 2015 was Barely Methodical Troupe’s Bromance; it was top of all the critic’s choices but I never would have picked it out on my own. Another schedule tip: leave your first night open as the journey up to the Fringe tends to be tiring. On my first night last time we arrived at 4pm, mooched out and got some dinner, then saw an unknown comedian at 8pm and got an early night. You will need sleep, as the days can be long and the nights late. If you do fancy a morning show I highly recommend Shakespeare for Breakfast; silly Shakespeare with a free croissant and tea? Perfection.
- Timing is key. Go at the start of the Fringe to get cheaper tickets and preview deals (Friends Membership is best for this), or go later in the month when the reviews are out and you can snap up the best tickets thanks to the critics’ legwork.
- Be brave! Try to pick a diverse range of shows. This year I’ve made sure I have at least one ticket for a comedy, a circus show, a play and a magic show. When you’re seeing shows back to back for a few days it also helps break it up and makes you see more of the city! For example the circus hub area in the Meadows is a gorgeous area to relax in if the weather is kind to you.
- And speaking of weather, follow the official website advice and pack for all seasons. Edinburgh Fringe is notoriously rainy. I lucked out last time and only had one day of rain, but it was apocalyptic. Umbrellas are a waste of time (my first ever proper raincoat was reluctantly purchased for the Fringe but was a life saver) and remember the venues tend to be warm so layers are key. Don’t forget Edinburgh is hilly and covered in cobbles, making your comfiest shoes essential.
- Don’t get drawn into the competitive nature that can surround the Fringe. There can be some snobby attitudes towards seeing big names at the Fringe, but you get to see them usually doing new work in a far more intimate space. Plus, it’s your damn money. Some people may cram in up to 10 shows a day every day, but if you go and have the best time seeing one show a day it doesn’t matter! There is so much to see and enjoy in Edinburgh alongside the Fringe, so don’t be afraid to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy some of the city’s great places to eat and drink as well.
- If you do find time to relax and mooch (but allow extra time if you go anywhere via the Royal Mile) make sure you go to Mary’s Milk Bar. Opening at 11am until they run out of ice cream, it is worth the hype. Head down to the Grassmarkets area and try my choice of rose and rhubarb sorbet if you want a heavenly treat.
- You will have to face the odd queue to get into a show, but use that time to chat to people about what shows they have loved and what shows they would recommend avoiding too!
- And finally, whilst it is wise to break out of your comfort zone, if something never has been and never will be your thing just don’t do it! I learnt this the very hard way when I saw a two-person musical that no amount of cocktails could make up for…
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival website is packed with great advice too and links to downloadable maps so make the most of it and have fun!
