Starting in 1947, Edinburgh Festival Fringe is now one of the largest arts festivals in the world. Performances include theatre, comedy, dance, musicals, exhibitions.. the list goes on. Many of the shows are ticketed, however there are lots of free events to enjoy too!
The Fringe began when 8 theatre companies turned up uninvited to Edinburgh International Festival, and showcased their performances at alternative venues. This saw the birth of two of the key defining features of the Edinburgh Fringe:
- the use of unconventional venues
- no official invitations to performances
Fringe performers now make use of any viable space available to them, such as theatres, function rooms, pubs and schools. Some more unusual spaces have also been used in the past including a public toilet, the back of a taxi and even the audience's own front room.
With such a variety of shows available, including those by performers just starting out in their careers to world renowned acts, the Fringe is definitely not one to miss. Catering for all ages and tastes, this year the festival is running from the 5th to the 29th August.
Shows to watch:
Dance - Scottish Ballet
Enjoy a double-bill of pieces by the marvellously talented Crystal Pite and Angelin Preljocaj, performed by Glasgow's finest ballerinas. Festival Theatre, Aug 18-20
Comedy - Nish Kumar: Actions Speak Louder Than Words, Unless You Shout the Words Real Loud
You may recognise him from Have I Got News for You and Live at the Apollo, Nish is one of Britain's rising comedy stars. If you enjoy political satire then this is definitely not one to miss. Pleasance Courtyard, Aug 3-28
Theatre - Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons
After a great success at the 2015 Fringe, this love story is set in a world where the government has implemented a law limiting people to only speak 140 words per day. Roundabout @ Summerhall, Aug 5-28 (not 9, 16, 23)
At the weekend we enjoyed a free comedy show at the Hanover Tap called 101 Comedy Club; Zahra Barri in particular made us laugh. Tonight we're off to see Sigur Rós at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
Let us know if you've been to the Fringe this year and what shows you've enjoyed.
With love, And Mary
