The Show Goes On
A principal argument that folk offer for attending the Fringe is that you get to catch the most famed comedians, and have the opportunity to witness the next big things in stand-up at an early stage.
My own experience differs. The most famed comics' performances usually end up being sold out before you have actually found out they're performing, therefore you are no more likely to see them perform as opposed to the rest of the year. And the belief that you're able to see the rising stars being released upon the world: in truth, I suppose it is possible, but you're probably going to see someone who gives you ten minutes of pretty entertaining material, and thirty-five minutes of unfunny nonsense. Nevertheless, they had a great write-up because the journalist only had long enough to stay for the start of the show.
From time to time you can get hold of low-priced comedy tickets during the Edinburgh Fringe because there are lots of 2-for-1 promotions happening.
All this genuinely involves is that when you use a two-for-the-price-of-one deal, it means you pay the same amount to see a performance as it would under normal circumstances, as in the Fringe all the ticket prices increase two times. I will take open mic night in my local standup place any day.
The majority of folk think the perfect opportunity to catch stand up comedy in Edinburgh is during the Fringe every August.
I am in the minority who disagree with that logic. Enjoy the fringe whenever you've got the opportunity, but see beyond it as well.
Occasionally the support comedians elsewhere will be more entertaining.
Which might be the reasons that folk offer to support their affirmation that the greatest opportunity to see comedians in Edinburgh is in the Festival? One reason is the number of gigs that are on. Instead of the usual few stand-up shows, there are hundreds during the Festival. But my belief is that quantity doesn't necessarily imply quality. Over time I've gone to hundreds of stand up comedy events in the Fringe, and well over half of them were awful.
I've walked out of a lot of performances after listening for nearly 25 minutes without even feeling the need to crack a smile, far less guffaw.
Just because a comedy gig is part of the Festival does not mean it is going to be amusing.
I go to loads of stand-up gigs throughout the year, and in my experience there are much less really dreadful gigs being staged at other times of the year.