Edinburgh Fringe has a way of warping time. At times, it feels like I’ve been here for years. At others, it feels like no time has passed at all. It is very easy to lose track of time and have no idea what day of the week it is, let alone the date.
What is consistent though is thinking that there’s enough time to see all the shows I was planning to, before getting to the final week and not having seen anything. Then there’s either the urge to see everything, or just choosing to admit defeat and see the shows when they’re on tour.
This year, there are shows I have been planning to see all month, but had made no efforts to actually do so. I have seen some of the shows I wanted to, but will have to let others pass me by. Then there’s always the vow to be more organised next year, but knowing that the same thing will likely also happen then.
One thing that is different this year is that my visits to the Kilderkin have so far been limited to the solitary pint. It’s another thing I kept meaning to do, but didn’t get around to much. Although the pub will always hold a special place in my heart, that sour taste of last year’s show there is still there in my palate.
I’ve actually barely been drinking this Fringe. This wasn’t a conscious decision; it has just turned out this way. Doing midday shows has been a handy incentive to go to bed at a reasonable hour. And another key factor is not having a bar there immediately after I finish performing where audience members either want to buy me pints or I need something to numb the pain.
The shows have been going well. I now have just two left then that’s me done for another Edinburgh.