Edfringe by @KemeyLafond

Here’s a participant’s perspective – with photos! – of this year’s Fringe from designer (and tikchris contributor) Kemey Lafond who shares insight from her first time working at Edinburgh’s world famous performing arts festival.

I had the opportunity to go twice to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year. As production designer of a new musical touring in the UK, I was present for the “get in” at the Pleasance Queen Dome at the beginning of August. Our slot for the technical rehearsal was from 11.30 in the evening to 1.30 in the morning. Unusual time to work? Well not really. The festival is a 24/7 operation during which time hundreds of companies showcase their work to the industry. Consequently, marketing is exceptionally overwhelming: the streets of the capital are wallpapered with posters advertising performances of various quality and price, actors leaflet everyday along the Royal Mile before show time, sometimes offering a glimpse of their art with a song or stand-up routine.

Competition is strong yet surprisingly friendly: everyone seems to know one another somehow. It is likely to bump into former drama school students or ex colleagues; all catching up on new trends and “must see” productions of the festival, but also vigorously networking as this will determine the workload for the next twelve months.

Coming back the second time around feels no different. The end of the festival is known for Fringe Awards nominations, so one must have the ability to work under pressure and not get flustered. Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a cutting edge environment for live entertainment but is also a firmly established business.

Kemey Lafond is a set and costume designer based in London.