By Grace Hatchwell, Special Delivery from Theatre Village HQ to the cobbled streets of Edinburgh
Alright my lovely stage-door darlings, let’s get real for a sec — with thousands (yes, thousands!) of shows shimmying for your attention at the Edinburgh Fringe, how on earth do you choose what to see without going full Hamlet (“to book or not to book…”)?
Start with the Boring Bits (aka Practical Magic)
I know it’s not as sexy as a surprise tap number, but if you don’t plan a smidge, you’ll end up legging it between venues like you’re in Starlight Express without the wheels.
- Time it Right: Morning person? Midnight reveller? Pick a show time that suits you – not just what sounds trendy.
- Running Time: Is it a quick 50-minute dash or a full-length emotional rollercoaster? Know before you go.
- Date Check: Fringe is looooong. Don’t fall in love with a show that ended yesterday.
- Venue Location: Use the Fringe venue map – it’s your new best friend. Edinburgh’s hills are no joke.
- Getting There: Bus, tram, brisk trot or flying taxi (ok, maybe not yet) – plan your route. Uber surge prices are real, hun. Pre-book if you fancy arriving in one piece and on time.
Now, Onto the Juicy Bit – Picking Your Shows!
Do you pre-book your dead certs or flutter your way around with flyers like a true Fringe butterfly? Honestly, my loves – do both.
- Book the Must-Sees: Got your eye on a show with buzz, a famous name, or a mate in it? Lock it in early.
- Flyer Fancies: Leave a little space in your schedule to get wooed on the Royal Mile. The best surprises are often the ones with dodgy homemade posters and a cast member doing backflips in the rain.
How to Whittle Down the Mountain of Maybes
- Head to the Fringe website and filter by date, time, genre – whatever floats your theatrical boat.
- Create a hit list (Grace Tip™: don’t overbook or you’ll be sprinting like you’re auditioning for Chariots of Fire).
- Peek at TikToks, trailers, or even a show’s Insta – sometimes a 15-second clip is all it takes to know if it’s your cup of Yorkshire Tea.
- Mind the price tags. Some shows are pay-what-you-can, others are ticketed. On a budget? Mix and match like it’s a charity shop haul.
Fringe Wisdom from Yours Truly:
- Don’t book back-to-back unless your teleportation device is working.
- Leave room for lunch and water — fainting is only dramatic onstage.
- Don’t be dazzled just by the celeb names. Fringe magic often comes from the unknowns who’ve schlepped up here with a suitcase, a dream, and very little Wi-Fi.
And Remember…
Theatre Village is your Fringe friend with benefits — reviews, shout-outs, and cheeky cheers for the shows we rate (and sometimes roast lovingly). Check out our Edinburgh Fringe blog posts for the inside scoop from your loyal delivery girl — that’s me — straight from the Festival frontlines.
Now go on, plan smart, book bold, and leave a little room for chaos. That’s what the Fringe is for.
Love, glitter, and standing ovations,
Grace x
Your 2nd Act Courier – delivering theatre news with flair and fringe 🎭💌✨