Cut Price Edinburgh Fringe

If you’re looking for great deals on your next haircut, look away now. As Dragons Den teaches you, nothing’s for free. Except that is, at the Edinburgh Fringe, which is pretty different from the rest of the world in lots of ways...

Edinburgh Fringe Freebies

There are two main competitors for your time. With the budgetary element removed, you don’t have to worry about leaving early if a show isn’t what you wanted. No more deciding between 2 equally interesting shows based on what’s in your wallet.

photo from http://flickr.com/photos/gd/52194926/sizes/s/

This is one show you don't and shouldn't have to pay for. Man with his head in a bucket on Princes Street.

Laughing Horse Free Fringe: Edinburgh Fringe events that you can see for nada money this August in the capital. Comedy, theatre, music, exhibitions and even children’s events are all up for grabs, with 158 different shows across 8 Edinburgh venues.

PBH Free Fringe: 120 shows, 10 venues. The longer-running of the two schemes, the PBH Free Fringe has simple principles which include performers needing to be nice to the venue’s staff. Its programme seems to be mainly stand-up comedy.

Why Charge for Fringe Shows?

With around 90% of charging Fringe shows traditionally making a loss, why do performers make the pilgrimage every year? One suggestion is that the shows act as a launching board for performers, and this could be particularly true for comedians who win certain awards like the Perrier. For other performers it may be a good way to publicise the same show taking place in London later in the year or going on tour. Or maybe it's just fun and a good chance to try out new material to a vast audience?

If you're keen on the last idea, you might like to look up comedy shows based on the 'old rope' idea, where comedians must hold onto a rope noose if they are using recycled gags. They can only let go of the rope if their lines are virginal. Sounds like the true spirit of the Fringe.

• 05 Aug 2008
• Add new comment

Categories

• blog
• edinburgh festival