EDINBURGH 2022: The BroadwayWorld Edfringe Survival Guide

The Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be a bit daunting even if you're a regular, so BWW reviewer Natalie O'Donoghue has compiled her top tips for navigating the festival.

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Plan ahead

Have a look at what's on at the festival before you go, as many shows will sell out ahead of time. There are over 3,000 shows in this year's programme so it is worth asking around, asking on Twitter or checking out our top guides across comedy; theatre; cabaret; musicals; free fringe; debut shows; circus and children's shows!

The app Plan My Fringe allows you to map out your schedule for the day. The Fringe doesn't have an official app this year but show details can be viewed on their website. A move to digital tickets this year also means that you don't have to worry about queuing at the box office to pick up your tickets.

But also: don't plan

Many performers will be handing out flyers for their show during the day around Edinburgh to try and get audiences in so it's worth taking a punt on something on the day. If you're booked up already for the day or don't fancy their show, don't be rude. The Edinburgh Fringe can get pretty stressful for participants so a polite 'no thank you' will suffice.

Eat

It can be really exciting booking a jam-packed day of Fringe shows that sees you dashing between venues with only ten minutes to spare, but take time to schedule in some meals. Seeing back-to-back shows can be emotionally draining (especially if you're seeing gritty theatre) so its helpful to have a sit-down break to recharge.

Snacks are also key for when you are dashing around between shows and I would recommend the Sainbury's and Tesco Metro on Waverley Bridge for proximity to most Fringe venues for picking up chocolate/cereal bars and drinks to keep you going.

Vitamins

Pre-pandemic, Fringe Flu was a very real issue. The late nights, changeable weather and food van diet can take its toll on your immune system, so its worth taking vitamins and making the effort to eat something that isn't a macaroni cheese toastie. Just an FYI if you're coming to the Fringe from outside Scotland; your jokes about the lack of vegetables in Edinburgh are a bit tiresome. They're pretty easy to find!

Hydrate

More and more water taps have been popping up around the festival site during the Fringe so it is advisable to take a refillable water bottle with you.

Dress in layers

Edinburgh's weather is its own improv show and a day that can start with blazing sunshine can end in torrential rain. Layers are the way to go for both wandering around the city and inside venues as dark, dank caves can get pretty chilly just as dark attics can get quite sweaty!

Sensible shoes

Yes, I know its terribly boring, but for some bizarre reason every venue seems to be uphill and a lot of the streets are cobblestones, so you're going to want to be comfortable.

Waterproofs

It will almost certainly rain while you're out and about and a waterproof jacket (ideally one you can roll into a bag when the sun comes out) is definitely preferable to an umbrella. Edinburgh gets really packed and nobody wants their eye poked out with your brolly.

Check, double and triple check your venue

Most of the big venues are working across multiple buildings and they can be anything from a two minute walk away to a mad taxi dash across the city. Even if you've been to the Fringe multiple times, it's worth double checking via the Fringe website that your venue is exactly where you think it is.

Mobile phones

Many venues are in actual caves, so don't rely on having a signal at all times. Make arrangements with friends beforehand and if you're using e-tickets, take a screenshot of them so you can access them even if you can't get online. It's also worth having a spare battery pack as you might be relying on your phone for transport tickets, camera, card payments, show tickets and maps so you really don't want it to run out of battery.

Figure out where the good toilets are

Not all toilets in Edinburgh are created equal. Some venues such as the Pleasance Dome and Gilded Balloon have many cubicles which means less queues when you're rushing about between shows. It would be unfair after two years away from the festival to label certain venue toilets as 'cursed', but as of 2019, some were definitely better maintained than others!

Feedback

If you see a show that you think is amazing- shout about it on socials! Twitter is a great way for people to discover new shows. If you didn't enjoy something then that's fair enough, but it isn't hugely helpful to tag the performer in your post. If you loved something there is also an option to add an audience review on the Edfringe website.

What are your top Edfringe tips? Tweet us @BWWScotland !