My Edinburgh Festival Fringe Survival Guide
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is fast approaching. And whilst its status as a Fringe festival is…questionable (many put the cost of participating in the fringe in the tens of thousands of pounds), for many artists and punters it’s a highlight of the year.
I’ve been to the Fringe three times: twice as an audience member and once in a show. And I loved it! Edinburgh is a beautiful city and the atmosphere of the Fringe is like nothing else (very descriptive, I know, but I’ve just got home from work, okay?).
If you’ve never been before, it can be overwhelming. There are thousands of shows. Between the listings in the brochure and the hundreds of performers flyering everywhere, you could easily end up collapsed in a neurotic, rain-soaked heap in the middle of The Mile (that’s the main thoroughfare up to Edinburgh Castle, btw). So here’s a handy survival guide for any first timers who want an action-plan for the biggest theatrical event of the summer.
Advice for Punters
Plan your must-sees in advance
The Fringe Programme is already available online on the official Fringe Website. You may already know of shows that’ll be at the festival that you’re interested in. Go through the programme and make a note of what you want to see during your visit. These should be the shows that, if they were all you saw, you’d be happy.
If you aren’t too fussy, a good way to narrow it down is to pick a show from each category. If you’re going for a three-day weekend, you could see a play on the first day, a musical on the second and a comedy show on the third, for example.
Leave room in you schedule for impromptu shows
A fun, I dare say “essential”, part of the Fringe experience is going to see random shows on a whim. Maybe a unique poster catches your eye, or a stranger at one show recommends something they saw and loved. So make sure you leave space around your must-sees for The Universe to fill the gaps in your timetable.
Book your accommodation early
This is probably a little late for 2025, but the earlier you book, the cheaper your accommodation will be. If you’ve missed the boat and the thought of a hostel dorm is currently making your stomach turn, you could look into staying outside of Edinburgh and commuting in.
Plan time for eating and sleeping
It’s incredibly easy to get carried away, book back to back shows and then realise at 11pm you’ve been running on coffee, adrenaline and Haribo all day. Plus the nightlife at the Fringe is just as lively as the shows. If you’re planning to burn the candle at both ends, plan accordingly or you might find yourself falling asleep during a performance (we’ve all been there - the afternoon slump is real).
Budget for food and drink
Speaking of planning and food, make sure you budget for your food and drink as well as your tickets. There are plenty of food stalls and bars that are built just for the Fringe, and whilst they are tasty, it can get pretty spenny very fast. Scout out the cheaper eateries as soon as you can; local independents are usually a good shout (I remember when I first went to the Fringe there was a baked potato shop that was so good and didn’t cost the earth - I hope it’s still around…).
Pack for all weathers
Fun fact: Edinburgh is in Scotland! And in Scotland, it rains. A lot. As the easiest way to get around if you’re able-bodied is on foot, you’ll want to prepare accordingly. Pack a decent pair of flat, water-resistant shoes and a decent rain coat. A brolly is also a good shout just in case, but bear in mind it can get windy.
However, the Fringe is in August, which also means it could be sunny. So bring sunglasses and sun cream, especially if you’re prone to burning.
Basically you want to dress like an onion - lots of layers.
Advice for Performers
A lot of the points above are applicable to performers too (apart from the accommodation, arguably - if you haven’t booked now, god help you!). But here’s some specific advice if you’re treading the boards at the festival.
Take advantage of any discounts at your venue
Most venues will offer discounts or even free tickets to performers for shows at the same venue. So check to see if this is the case and take advantage of it as much as possible. It can allow you to maximise your theatre intake without breaking the bank (too much).
See a variety of work
I’d advise this especially if you’re early in your career or pre-professional. The Fringe has a plethora of shows in its programme varying in style, genre, scale and quality. See amateur shows, one-person shows, puppetry shows, serious shows, irreverent shows, good shows, even bad shows. The more you see, the more you hone your sense of what you like and why, and what makes a show objectively good or bad.
Also, seeing shows is fun!
Support other people’s shows (when you can)
Between the hours flyering in the rain and the single-digit houses, the Fringe can be a gruelling slog. So make a point of getting to know some of the other performers and supporting their shows if you can.
Swapping flyers with other shows on The Mile and chatting to the people in the slots before and after your show are two easy ways to do this. And it’s likely they’ll support your show in return.
Look after yourself physically
If you’re playing the whole festival, you’ll almost certainly only have one day off. For a shorter run you may not have any. And you’ll likely want to enjoy yourself when you’re not performing. So make sure you’re looking after your body. Stay hydrated (maybe mix in some water between the lattes and cocktails?). If you have access to a kitchen in your accommodation, try to make some balanced meals. Finally, make sure to get enough sleep - strategic naps are 100% allowed.
Know your limits
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe can feel like a Dionysian fever dream, and it’s easy to get carried away. But you’re there to do a show, not party. So know your limits, young Padawan. If you can go clubbing ‘til 3am and be all tits and teeth on stage the next day, have at it. Live you’re best life. That’s not my story. And when I performed at the fringe I knew that, accepted it and enjoyed myself accordingly. Some of my castmates didn’t. And it brought them pain and regret on several occasions. You have been warned.
So, go forth, my fellow thespians! Raise a deep-fried Mars Bar on Arthur’s Seat for me and have a jolly good time!