It has happened, my standing-room only streak has come to an end.
I knew it was inevitable at some point during the run and never thought it would last as long as it did. As time went on, I did wonder if it could last for the whole run, only for the Fringe Gods to snatch it from me at the last minute.
But it doesn’t matter, the fact that it lasted for 18 shows is pretty remarkable given the Kilderkin’s location. Taking into account the 100+ people that have tried to see the show and I’ve not had room for, I would statistically have enough people for at least an extra two gigs.
However, my philosophy that I try and stick to for all gigs is that it doesn’t matter how many people are in the room, they’re there to see a show and I’ll always try and give them all I can.
I had about 25 people in yesterday, which is still a great turnout for a free show in a year that many of my more talented peers have really struggled for audience.
Most of the audience enjoyed the show, but I had five people walk out. This included a group of four that I knew wouldn’t enjoy it before it even began. You get a Spidey sense about particular punters.
I had my lowest takings of the Fringe, with £32. It didn’t feel as bad as Sunday, where I had a full room but made only £4 more. I really can’t complain, I’ve been very lucky this year. Plus £32 and 25 people was more than double both my lowest audience and takings from last year.
The advantage of having a smaller crowd was that it gave me a chance to see if handing out the whiteboards and pens before the show kept things flowing better. I think it worked well enough to warrant me trying it again today. I have two shows left, with the possibility of a third. At the moment, finding the energy for two seems enough of a challenge.