Well, it’s been 4 nights and 4 performances into our run at
the Fringe, and I thought it would be an excellent time to reflect on what we’d
been up to and, perhaps more importantly, what we’d learned. Here are our 5
most important things about the start of the Fringe:
1-
Remember that it’s early days
This important to remember as both a performer and an audience member. In terms of performance, everyone is still finding their feet, but it’s also a lot of fun just performing a show a lot to different people. Conversely, as an audience member, I think there is a lot of fun to be had watching shows at their most volatile and unpolished, before they get to the point of being hyper-rehearsed. Also, many shows are cheaper during these few days, which can be used to see acts you know you like for a little less.
This important to remember as both a performer and an audience member. In terms of performance, everyone is still finding their feet, but it’s also a lot of fun just performing a show a lot to different people. Conversely, as an audience member, I think there is a lot of fun to be had watching shows at their most volatile and unpolished, before they get to the point of being hyper-rehearsed. Also, many shows are cheaper during these few days, which can be used to see acts you know you like for a little less.
2-
Physically have your publicity material before
you come (to Edinburgh)
This is something we very stupidly failed to do, primarily due to a hilarious series of postal screw ups that, on reflection, aren’t actually hilarious and are mainly soul crushing. It has, however, caused us to improvise, and rely on charisma and talking to people to get people into our show, which I think is nicer for all concerned. No one likes to be treated like a flyer receptacle, so it’s lovely to be spoken to when someone is selling a show. It may sound biased, but I would really recommend that you get people to talk about their show
This is something we very stupidly failed to do, primarily due to a hilarious series of postal screw ups that, on reflection, aren’t actually hilarious and are mainly soul crushing. It has, however, caused us to improvise, and rely on charisma and talking to people to get people into our show, which I think is nicer for all concerned. No one likes to be treated like a flyer receptacle, so it’s lovely to be spoken to when someone is selling a show. It may sound biased, but I would really recommend that you get people to talk about their show
 |
| Not pictured: our flyers. |
3-
Remember that free shows are good
At time of writing, I have only been to see free shows. I used to be cynical of such things, but have quickly learned that need of money is not necessary a demonstration of quality. In fact, when there is not a financial incentive to create a show people are more willing to experiment rather than play it safe and perform what is most marketable. In fact, practically speaking, the only definite difference between a free show and a ticketed one is that the ticketed show cost more to do.
At time of writing, I have only been to see free shows. I used to be cynical of such things, but have quickly learned that need of money is not necessary a demonstration of quality. In fact, when there is not a financial incentive to create a show people are more willing to experiment rather than play it safe and perform what is most marketable. In fact, practically speaking, the only definite difference between a free show and a ticketed one is that the ticketed show cost more to do.
4-
Don’t share a bed with Ryan
Most people won’t encounter this (unless Ryan is aggressively sharing beds during the evening and I don’t know about it), but it can affect you enjoyment of the Fringe. Tom lost a good chunk of sleep the night before our first show due to Ryan waking him up in the middle of the night violently shaking him. Tom asked what was wrong, only to have Ryan say that he “thought he was covered in crabs”, and then reflecting that “at least he was trying to get them off”. Before Tom had time to respond, Ryan was already asleep again, whilst Tom was kept up for another hour.
Most people won’t encounter this (unless Ryan is aggressively sharing beds during the evening and I don’t know about it), but it can affect you enjoyment of the Fringe. Tom lost a good chunk of sleep the night before our first show due to Ryan waking him up in the middle of the night violently shaking him. Tom asked what was wrong, only to have Ryan say that he “thought he was covered in crabs”, and then reflecting that “at least he was trying to get them off”. Before Tom had time to respond, Ryan was already asleep again, whilst Tom was kept up for another hour.
5-
Have fun
It’s easier than I was certainly led to believe, but it can happen. Our first show had two people in, who both felt very uncomfortable, and yet was one of the most fun gigs I’ve ever done. Most importantly, they genuinely seemed to have a great time as well. Probably because at no point did we pour crabs on them.
It’s easier than I was certainly led to believe, but it can happen. Our first show had two people in, who both felt very uncomfortable, and yet was one of the most fun gigs I’ve ever done. Most importantly, they genuinely seemed to have a great time as well. Probably because at no point did we pour crabs on them.
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