Edinburgh Fringe Festival: An expert’s guide

Bakewell Bake Off. Photo © Massonstock

If you’re unfamiliar with The Fringe, it’s only the biggest arts festival in the world! Every August for three weeks, the streets are filled with performers, and names big and small take to the stage all over the city.

I have some wonderful summer memories dedicated to the time I have spent enjoying The Fringe over the years and I truly hope this summer will be no different.

This is the first year I’ll also be taking my 3-year-old daughter. I’m hoping to spend a few days exploring The Fringe alone, and a couple with her.

The atmosphere of The Fringe during the day is one of my favourite parts of the festival. It’s something that can be enjoyed by all the family and, as I’ve always been influenced heavily by the arts, I want my daughter to be involved in that world from a young age…and really, what better place to start than attending The Fringe?

This year, Travelodge have asked me to share the shows and performances I’m most looking forward to.

Remember: don’t ever attend The Fringe with a closed mind. Sometimes the best shows are the ones you don’t even think you’re going to enjoy.

So here is my guide to what I’m looking forward to seeing at The Fringe this year:

1. The Bakewell Bake Off: A New Musical –  5^th to 22^nd  August – C Venues
What could be better than musical theatre combined with The Great British Bake Off? As this combines two of my loves it’s a must-see. It’s a musical comedy, so I expect it’ll be lighthearted and enjoyable. My favourite kind of show to see on The Fringe. Tickets are £9.50 for adults.

2. The Last Five Years – 5^th to 17^th August – C Venues
Although I do like going to see new theatre, I always try and fit in a musical I know all the lyrics to. This year’s pick is The Last Five Years, a musical I first saw on The Fringe five years ago! It’s one that isn’t easy to come by on stage in the UK, so I’m psyched to see it in the listings. Tickets are £9.50 for adults.

3. Twelfth Night – 6^th to 17^th and 19^th to 31^st August – C Venues
Like with seeing The Last Five Years, my Twelfth Night pick is for nostalgic reasons. It’s my favourite Shakespeare play and I enjoy seeing it in all forms.

Drama and more. Photo © himalaja

This is a modern version that I am greatly looking forward to seeing. Not only that, but it’s one of the shows coming to The Fringe with my old university and course! Tickets are £8.50.

4. Baby Loves Disco – Sat & Sun throughout August – Electric Circus
My daughter loves to dance and make friends with other children her age, so Baby Loves Disco is a must! I have heard great reviews about it from other mothers as it’s appeared on The Fringe listings for the past few years. With a wide selection of activities to keep the little ones happy and a licensed bar for the adults, it’s a must! Can’t wait to hit it up! Tickets are £9.

Love the boogie. Photo © Serafino Mozzo

5. Peter Pan, The Musical – August 7^th, 9 & 10, 12^th – Space TripleX
My daughter is currently obsessed with Peter Pan, so the fact that Peter Pan the Musical is going to be available just up the road was what finally helped me make the decision on whether or not I should take her. This is my pick of shows by groups coming from abroad; I always like to support them since they have come such a long way. Plus tickets are only £5.

These are just my five top picks, but if these don’t appeal you can always head over to The Fringe main website and see what could tickle your fancy. The Fringe festival really is an experience like no other in this country.