EDINBURGH BESTIVAL
Choosing where to go next month can be daunting so our foolproof guide will help you expand your cultural horizons
A DAY out at the biggest arts festival in the world. Sounds great. But Edinburgh in August can feel huge and overwhelming.
Buildings that are normally home to conferences, business meetings, wedding receptions and students playing volleyball become theatres.
Thespians from across the globe plead with you to come and see their show. They stand there, wearing a lightshade, looking desperate and it’s hard to say no.
So how do you get the most out of the circus that descends on Edinburgh every year?
DECIDE WHEN TO GO
The first few days, from August 4 onwards, are pleasantly quiet. Many shows have previews, which are cheaper than regular performances, and two-for-one offers abound.
The last weekend in August, which is an English back holiday, is horrendous. It’s also when the TV festival rolls into town. Avoid.
Weekdays are quieter than weekends, but read the programme carefully because some shows take a break on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Going with children? The best kids’ shows are very busy at the start of August. The audiences drop right off after the capital’s schools go back on August 16. If you can take your family on a weekday after that, go for it.
WHICH FESTIVAL IS IT ANYWAY?
There are several festivals all going on at the same time. The Edinburgh International Festival centres on opera, theatre, dance, classical and contemporary music. Prices are not shy (£30 for Alan Cumming’s Sappy Songs, £140 top whack for Celia Bartoli in Cosi Fan Tutti) but there are discounts and offers on the day.
The Fringe has long outgrown the International Festival completely and has a giant, sprawling programme.
Major Fringe venues, the Pleasance, the Gilded Balloon, the Underbelly and Assembly, are based around the university and the Cowgate.
The Stand comedy club has taken over the Assembly Rooms, a good deal of George Street and even part of Harvey Nichols.
The Traverse specialises in new writing and is the place to see the best new theatre.
Summerhall, at the old Dick Vet college, has a programme of experimental music, theatre and performance. C venues – there are seven so check your ticket – are the places to head for dance and physical theatre. There is a circus space, the Underbelly Circus Hub on the Meadows.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival starts on August 13 within Charlotte Square Gardens.
For the Edinburgh Art Festival, the city’s galleries pull out the stops with special summer exhibitions, one-off events and pop up displays.
The Fringe has also sprouted a fringe of its own in The Free Festival. Audiences pay what they can afford. Expect to queue.
WHAT’S THE PLAN?
You could plan everything or turn up and go to any old show that has tickets left. Instead, do some research on the websites of the EIF and the Fringe.
Buy tickets for one show you really want to see then work around that. What else is on nearby? What other venue would be a pleasant walk away?
On the day, your first stop should be the Virgin Money Half Price Hut on The Mound. It’s where to find the day’s bargains.
If you arrive early for a show, chat to other people. You may find yourself sitting beside a new comedian who gives you free tickets.
But whatever you do, take a chance on something. What’s the worst that can happen?
The Stand has a best of Scottish comedy and best of Irish comedy show, as well as The Late Club. The Gilded Balloon’s legendary Late ’n’ Live is a place where anything can happen. Best of Burlesque at Assembly George Square is perfect for some unpredictable hanky panky.
REVIEWS
All reviews are not created equal. The Top Rated section on The List’s website, which aggregates reviews from newspapers and other websites, is an accurate guide to what’s hot and not.
KIDS
There are fantastic shows at the Fringe. There are also rip-offs and toe-curling student efforts.
The Pleasance, Summerhall and Assembly all have high standards and child-friendly venues. The Pleasance has an area for parents to hang out with their children before shows.
It’s hard work enjoying yourself. Also expensive. And time consuming. Everywhere is busy.
Take a refillable water bottle, a keep cup for coffee and plenty of snacks. Then put on your comfy shoes and head out on a cultural adventure.