Edinburgh Free Fringe Festival

Good afternoon one and all.

I am heading up to Edinburgh this year (like most of you I am sure) as a first timer and looking for advice from some of you more experienced performers.

I am looking to perform but fear an hour long show may be a little too much for me. I have the material but I am sure you all understand I would rather 30 minutes of good quality than try to stretch it all out over the whole hour. Do people collaborate? If so is there anyone in the same boat looking to do so? Where do I find these people?

I just feel working with someone in terms of organisation, promotion, cost etc etc would be bettern than trying to do this all my own as a novice. Is this a sensible attitude? Or should I just go for it?

I have been working the London circuit now for just over a year and probably do anything between 2-5 gigs a week but always looking to do more. My comedy taste is quite varied, I love anything from the brutal honesty of Franky Boyle to the weird and wonderful of Noel Fielding and anything else in between.

Any advice anyone can offer is greatly appreciated, reply on here or drop me an email on darrenpomroy@gmail.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Hello Darren

This website written by experienced fringe act Ian Fox is a very good guide to putting on an ed show (including free fringe):

http://theianfox.wordpress.com/

And to advertise for someone to collaboarte with, I'd do it here (similar posts tend to crop up from time to time):

http://forums.chortle.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=12

I would note aswell that there is a bit of animosity between the two different Free Fringe style organisation, so you should look into the ethos of each one before choosing who to go with. PBH's Free Fringe is my personal favourite, but it's all down to choice! But be aware, that if you apply to one you are generally excluded from the other. Application's to PBH Free Fring opened recently, so you'll want to get in quick.

Also I'd note that if you're putting on an hour show with two people, you want to be very sure you do it as two separate shows with one admission, and not as a double act, as anything over 50 minutes classes you as a full length performance. This would mean you would be automatically eligible for Best Newcomer at the Ed awards as a duo and you won't really want to do that until you've got a really good FULL length solo show!

Actually, I spotted this article by Ian which seems like it would be rather helpful for you:

http://theianfox.wordpress.com/2010/11/03/creating-a-comedy-showcase/

Good answers Nat! Are you going this year?

Unfortunately not- it was either Ed or a holiday, and we're going with a holiday as Dan's never been abroad. It will be a big giant shame though- missed last year too. I need to go back there.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ February 12 2011, 12:31 AM GMT

Unfortunately not- it was either Ed or a holiday, and we're going with a holiday as Dan's never been abroad. It will be a big giant shame though- missed last year too. I need to go back there.

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I missed last year also. Had a great (if scary) time the year before. Hopefully be there this year.

Yes I was there the year before too, only for a few days. Hopefully if I go next year I will be going as a performer so I can stay the whole month.

Quote: Nat Wicks @ February 12 2011, 3:54 PM GMT

Yes I was there the year before too, only for a few days. Hopefully if I go next year I will be going as a performer so I can stay the whole month.

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God, a month at the fringe, don't think I could manage a week. I was exhausted after a few days and that was just as a tourist.

I wrote this a couple of years ago, not saying where though:

http://www.chortle.co.uk/correspondents/2009/03/25/8607/the_top_tip_for_edinburgh%3F_dont_go

Very interesting read!