Anyone been to the Edinburgh Fringe?

[JohnC]

Just back from four fantastic days at the Edinburgh Fringe.
We were kept busy with four shows a day. Saw comedians Frank Skinner, Paul Sinha, Geoff Norcott and Andy Parsons among others.
Also saw some terrific singers and musicians putting a real shift in.
Can't wait for next year!
Short video here:
https://youtu.be/fEBXKqeUpWU
And an excellent tribute to Fleetwood Mac:
https://youtu.be/rkQzPz_fj5A

Any other members of the board been to the Fringe, and what memories do you have?
UTC

[appleton]

Lived in Lieth for a while. Wonderful experience visiting the Fringe.

[AGENT_CLARET]

I'm off to Edinburgh on Friday until Monday for the military tattoo Saturday, I'm looking into taking in some of the fringe any recommendations JohnC

[Silkyskills1]

We went over 15 years ago now. Had use of a flat in Leith that belonged to a friend. Just a great atmosphere around the city and went from watching something in a theatre down to what felt like watching in someone's front room. Always said we would do it again so perhaps something for next year. Some of the a Capel singing on the streets was sensational.

[dougcollins]

It's bloody expensive.

[JohnC]

Agent C we used the EdFringe website. Loads of filters to search out category, date, venue etc. They charge a booking fee so if you're going to a few shows it's better to book them all in one go.
https://www.edfringe.com/
Bear in mind not to book shows too close together as they may be a mile apart and with the streets being very busy it can take longer than normal.
We enjoyed the comedians mentioned earlier, but have a look through there's loads to choose from. If there's someone in particular that you want to see I would book asap. We have friends that arrived yesterday and the two shows they wanted have sold out. I know that they were available last week for this weeks shows, so better not leave it till the last minute.
We really enjoyed the performances put on by Night Owl Shows. It's a collection of singers and musicians and they put on eleven different shows a day.
Mentioned Fleetwood Mac earlier, we thought the Aretha Franklin:
https://youtu.be/dLpuvRu1Zu0
and Dusty Springfield Shows were fantastic.
https://youtu.be/yXxqKwMldq0

Have a great time!

[Caballo]

I went last Friday, first train out of Preston last train back for 24 quid return. Bargain!! Saw 3 shows had a couple of meals and a few pints. It was fantastic.

[Pickles]

I've been a couple of times. It's an expensive slog for performers and crew. And for punters! Some excellent stuff though from household names, next big things and diamonds in the rough.

Last time I went up was for the recording of a radio drama I'd written for the BBC, recorded in front of a studio audience in Summerhall. Was a good time.

[JohnC]

Caballo, what a great idea for a day out. How far in advance did you have to buy the rail tickets?
Cheers.

[ŽižkovClaret]

Just got back on Monday night after a long weekend there.

My tips:
Webster Bourke and Bragg @ Frankensteins
Phil Ellis
Frank Sanazi @ Frankensteins (Not the most groundbreaking but as a genuine "f'ing hell" show its certainly memorable)

[dushanbe]

Up there last week with the family. We were staying in Northumberland so got the train from Berwick for the day. Didn't see any indoor shows, but watched plenty of street performances, some of which were really good. Brilliant atmosphere up and down the Royal mile, just absolutely packed.

[ŽižkovClaret]

If you're into old school computer games, The Dark Room (they also do an earlier kids version) is great fun

[SlidingTackle]

I live in South Queensferry (just outside Edinburgh itself).

Have done for 30+ years.

The fringe is just fantastic but has increasingly become a more formalised, organised and gentrified thing rather than the informal impromptu thing it once was. This isn't a change for the better. It's become almost a bucket list thing for rich tourists from all over the world rather than the alternative, subversive thing it was.

Don't get me wrong. It is still perhaps the 'greatest show on earth'.

Off into Edinburgh soon to just take it all in (I LOVE the street performers) and see one of Edinburgh's own (beloved by fellow Leither done good, Ian Rankin) tonight.

https://www.songkick.com/concerts/41127 ... ent=114011

[Caballo]

Caballo, what a great idea for a day out. How far in advance did you have to buy the rail tickets?
Cheers.

About 6 weeks John. used the trainline app. They were standard fares too, no railcards or concessions.