Fisher pens Edinburgh Fringe survival guide

THE theatre critic, Mark Fisher, has penned a book designed to help rookie performers survive, and flourish during, the Edinburgh Fringe.

Fisher, who is secretary of the Edinburgh Freelance branch of the National Union of Journalists, is featured in today’s new-look Scotland on Sunday newspaper.

His book, The Edinburgh Fringe Survival Guide, is out next month.

Writes Brian Ferguson: “Author, and Scotland on Sunday festival reviewer, Mark Fisher, who wrote the book while working at the 2010 event, interviewed all the main venue operators as well as Fringe executives, producers, promoters, agents and even a public safety officer at Edinburgh City Council.”

Fisher is quoted as saying: “There have been quite a few books written about the history of the Fringe and the festival before now, but nothing like this, in terms of speaking to all kinds of different people about what is involved in putting on a show. They were happy to help.

“The Fringe produces its own guides, which are on its website, offering very good factual advice, but I wanted to add a human dimension, and get advice from people based on their own experiences.”

He is furtehr quoted, saying: “A few people suggested I do a show based on the book so I’ve decided to do a live version in chat-show format, with perhaps three comedians on speaking about their experiences one day, and then three completely different people the next day.”