This time every year for anyone who loves theatre, whether performer, producer or observer, the Edinburgh Fringe anticipation is truly bubbling. The Fringe brochure is out, as are the critics picks. You start to ring everything you want to see knowing full well that this will go completely out the window when you are offered free tickets on the Mile by some pretty female, and those off the wall productions you thought were kooky get one star in Three Weeks, yet the gems you never spotted have already sold out.
Nevertheless there is no feeling like it. Paper's Weight is certainly feeling it. Going up with Belt Up Theatre is a lot of pressure, but only adds to the excitement. We all work or perform with them in various capacities therefore there's lots to think about, and many different ways to relate (Fran and Sarah are in the ensemble, while I am the Production Assistant). Juggling our different roles is working well so far and promises to run just as smoothly when we're in Edinburgh. But then it is a long month...
The entire Belt Up and Paper's Weight ensemble and production teams are all staying in one flat. 21 of us for over a month should mean if nothing else we will get to know each other extremely well. But this is all part of the anticipation. Who will get on? Who wont? Will my boyfriend be allowed to stay? This naturally leads to: will I be one of the chosen ones who gets a bed? how tidy will people be? will I be able to cook at home after the first two days? How much money will I spend? Will we eat out a lot? Who will I go and see shows with? What will the weather be like?
And of course it being Edinburgh the prolonged deliberation must happen as to how much wet weather gear to take. It must be said, this year I have invested in a Barbour and some Wellingtons to keep out the harsh Scottish weather. Though it is likely this will be the one year I have been up when these items are not necessary.
More serious thought of course enter the producer's head (though at the time wet feet are extremely important). What if we sell no tickets? What if no-one likes our show? Though you are rehearsing every day until you arrive in the Burgh, you worry that the show won't be good enough to draw in the crowds. Crowds - audience - advertising - social media - print - website (technically illiterate?!). Just a few thoughts that occupy my breakfasts, lunch-breaks and evenings, and any other non-working moment in-between. Though as the date of transfer draws nearer, many working moments are consumed by flurries of Paper's Weight efficiency and at times what can only be described as panic.
These feelings of fear and excitement will be familiar to anyone who is even contemplating attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and for any of you who haven't been, this is perhaps the main reason to go.
Polly
Producer Paper's Weight
