Edinburgh 2012.

Location: Starbucks, Greenwich, London

Devoting today to updating my various online profiles and sending many many emails, so I thought now would be a good time to mention Edinburgh. It seems premature, but this side of Christmas, Edinburgh Fringe is THE topic of conversation. Yes, already in February venues are being confirmed for August, previews have started and I'm well into planning my Fringe.



After no small consideration on my part, I will not be returning to Pleasance this year. Just sent my email in response to 2012's offer, thanking them for the opportunity, and the past two years, which have been excellent - but its time to move on.


Working at Pleasance is exhausting, draining and demanding. But it is also exhilarating and rewarding. While being a member of crew during the Fringe is undeniably consuming, if you put in the effort, you get so much out of it. Despite the ridiculous hours, dealing with an...um...varied selection of people and sitting in the ENDLESS rain, there are such highs that the lows only serve to accentuate them. I’ve worked with some hilarious acts, some very talented people and met some wonderful friends who have lasted way beyond the Fringe. It will be odd to not work with Pleasance in 2012, but, as the cliche goes, all good things must come to an end.


But I’m by no means done with Edinburgh. I’m thrilled to say I will be returning to the Fringe (of course!) but as a company tech. A couple of comedy acts have asked me to operate for their shows during the Fringe and I am so excited to experience Edinburgh in a new role. Since moving to London I’ve been on a mini-mission to tech anything and everything in comedy. Louise and Garrett’s night, The Schadenfreude Comedy Club in Stoke Newington, has proved a fantastic opportunity to meet excellent acts and tech for them. From this initial work I’ve teched at The Hen and Chickens in Islington, The ETC in Camden and the Leicester Square Theatre for a range of shows. I’m having an amazing time working for such talented people.


I could not have made such progress on the London circuit if I had not worked at Pleasance Edinburgh (Ford and Akram were performers in The Hut in 2011 which is where I began my working relationship with them and which led to working for Schadenfreude). Pleasance is a great networking opportunity and I encourage anyone looking to be involved in the Fringe to apply to work there.


Working as a company tech might (might) mean less intense hours this Fringe – but don’t think I’ll be taking it easy. I have plans to use my time up there to my full advantage. Details on that will have to wait though.

Amy