Back For More: Fringe Pros Share Their Wisdom

Whether it’s your first or your fiftieth Fringe there is always something new to learn, somewhere new to visit, and of course lots of new shows to see!

So with just one week to go before the doors open on the first performances at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, we caught up with a few artists who are returning to the Fringe for another year, to see if they had some nuggets of wisdom for artists, journalists and audience members alike.

Sharing their Edinburgh experience we have Alley Scott from Dutch Kills who are returning to the Fringe with two shows - Channel and Whisper Walk. Additionally, we have Sarah Lawrie, who is producing and performing in Elon Musk: Lost in Space, Xhloe and Natasha, who are bringing back all three of their Fringe-First shows, David Lampard, the writer, director and performer of the returning family-favourite The Alphabet of Awesome Science, and finally performer Karolien De Bleser from Ontroerend Goed’s Thanks for Being Here.

What's something you wish you knew before your first fringe?

Alley Scott: It's a marathon, not a sprint. Make good work, keep coming back and you will be rewarded for it.

Sarah Lawrie: DON'T WEAR HEELS! (Or indeed flip flops.) Negotiating hills and cobbles are a key part of the Edinburgh experience.

Xhloe & Natasha: I wish we knew to bring medicine! Between the "Fringe Flu" and performing aches and pains, we wish we were better prepared to keep ourselves feeling our best. Especially coming from the US, a lot of the meds we're used to being able to get aren't available here, it was a rude awakening.

David Lampard: That it was all going to be ok — and that I would absolutely want to return again (and again) to this remarkable festival. Getting to our first festival was an incredible uphill battle (as is — to be very honest — every return visit). But, we have made fantastic friends here, and forged opportunities that we could never have dreamed of without that first risk-taking step… that first fringe experience.

Karolien De Bleser: I really wish I had known about Edinburgh’s “four seasons in one day” weather. You should never, ever leave the house without a raincoat or an umbrella, even if the sky is perfectly blue when you step outside. If I had known that before my first Fringe, it would have saved me from quite a few unexpected soakings.

What is the one thing you always look forward to when returning to the Fringe?

AS: The bratwurst cart on George Square.

SL: Setting foot in the Surgeons' Hall courtyard for the first time. Home from home and full of friends.

X&N: Seeing our friends and recurring audiences! Because Fringe has become a tradition for us there is a group of people we love we only get to see once a year, it feels like summer camp. We also love the audiences that return year after year and continue to support.

DL: The view from Arthur’s Seat! Climbing to the top of this ancient (and very extinct!) volcano has become part of my 'arrival routine' in Edinburgh. There’s something very settling for me about getting to the top, and spending some time looking out in every direction — and saying hello to my home for the next month.

KDB: What I always look forward to is that incredible crowd of people and the massive wave of creativity. So many artists, so many people actively seeking out art in all its forms and giving it their full attention and love. It’s really heartwarming to see that many people coming together, living for the arts, and doing the wildest things. That vibe is something I’m always excited to experience again.

What's the best artist/venue bar for creatives to mingle?

AS: Oooooo this is a tough one. I'm going with Assembly. Really quiet during the day and a great space to get work done and at night it's always fun.

SL: The Assembly Rooms Bar in George Square for sure. Networking Mecca.

X&N: Maybe it's a cop out answer but any theatre beer garden... yes the Edinburgh mainstays are loads of fun but our most fond memories are sitting in the Summerhall or Pleasance beer gardens, striking up a conversation and suddenly we're seeing their show in 20 minutes.

DL: Abattoir (Underbelly) is a fab spot to meet and chat and dream about future creative adventures. It has both indoor and outdoor spaces — so, weather dependent, there’s options to soak up some sun, or to hide from the rain. There’s always something happening in this space — but it’s also a fantastic place to sit and catch up on work, or unwind after a show. Depending upon the time of day you’ll find creatives prepping for the day ahead, deals being struck for future touring, podcasts being recorded, social media stunts being executed, exhausted artists/techs falling asleep on comfy couches, or notable celebrities ducking in for a bevvie and some banter!

KDB: That’s actually not such an easy one, because unlike in Belgium where it’s pretty standard to hang out in the theatre bar after a show, in Edinburgh you really have to look for the right places. For me, the courtyard at Summerhall is the best bet. You’ll always run into people there who’ve just seen shows, and even if it’s not right after the performance, there’s usually someone you know. It’s a great spot to bump into old friends or meet new people.

Where is your secret spot you go to in Edinburgh to get away from the Fringe?

AS: The Botanic Gardens. They are so peaceful.

SL: There's a particular tree in Princes Street Gardens I like to sit under, but I can't tell you which one otherwise it wouldn't be a secret.

X&N: The meadows are definitely no secret but we've taken many a nap there when haphazard shared housing situations get overwhelming.

DL: One of my favourite things to do when I’m in a new city is pull on my sneakers and head out running — usually in a random direction. Last year I discovered the Leith Market on one of these vigorous perambulations. It’s brilliant! A tiny little market, but with a wide variety of foods, crafts and other fun things (which last year had me purchasing a tartan dog collar, soap, and a few sweet treats!). I’ll be heading back again this year… to purchase another random collection of things.

KDB: Hard to give away a secret, but okay—here it is. On our day off, we take the train to North Berwick, walk on the beach, and have lobster and fries at a lobster shack. It’s the perfect escape.

Can you share your favorite restaurant in Edinburgh?

AS: I can. Doctors. They are always happy to see you back.

SL: I'm genuinely obsessed with Mosque Kitchen.

X&N: We love Palmyra Pizza right by Surgeons Hall. We plan to go there for falafel sandwiches the moment we arrive. It's a lowkey cash only spot that's open late, perfect for after late night shows, great food, and the guys that work there are so nice.

DL: Does a coffee van count as a restaurant? I’m going to assume it does! Because part of my morning ritual (on show days) is to visit a fantabulous little coffee caravan that sits on the periphery of George Square — opposite the university library (and on the other side of the square to the main venue entrance). The owner of this establishment makes the most insanely excellent hot chocolate (adorned with meringues and all sorts of other treats). It’s just the sugar kick I need to jump on stage and rev top a crowd!

KDB: A few favourites. Every year, I make sure to go to Kim’s Mini Meals. I also love grabbing a coffee at Cult and having a slice of cake at Love Crumbs.

And with that, we hope everyone who’s venturing to the Fringe this year has an incredible time and we’ll see you there!

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