Trying to find the really good fringe shows is like searching for a needle in a haystack. There are over 3000 shows in numerous
different locations which have now spread to 30 miles around Edinburgh with a fringe festivals in North Berwick, Penicuik and
Livingston. There are all sorts of artistic talent on view and visitors can make a choice of comedy, drama, music or any other art form
The normal well patronised Assembly rooms in George St are under development so they have been rehoused in a series of
marquees located next to the McEwan and Reid Halls in the main University area. These continue into George Square giving
a centralised artistic choice of venues. The Pleasance is still a must with every nook and cranny housing another event and
a good place to meet friends and socialise. The hub at the top of the HIigh St is another place to meet with large dining or coffee
areas and some outside seating, weather permitting.
A relatively new set of event locations is The Space in North Bridge and Jeffrey St. These are rooms in hotels or a church which
combine to give a good number of local possibilities.and my first choice for a show worth watching is Samantha's Hotline at
Venue 260 on the 8th floor in Jury's Hotel. The hotel is located in Jeffery St. which is between The back of Waverley Station and
the Royal Mile. From North Bridge go down the newly polished stone steps next to the Scotsman Hotel then turn right. Go through
the Hotel front passage with the box office on the left. A lift token is needed and take the lift to the 7th floor and a short walk up to the
8th. with toilet facilities in between. Arrive at least 5 mins before the show with tickets. The show is sponsored by a wine company
and the first 12 couples quality for a free bottle of wine. Not that this is needed as the one woman show in various multi role acting is
simply stunning and should attract capacity audiences. The actress is Sophie Gatacre and this is her 3rd year at the fringe but now
in collaboration with an Italian Director Linda Manfredini. Sophies soft sexy voice is really scintillating and she holds her mixed audience
in rapt attention as she moves from one role to another whilst motivating her telephone clients, speaking to her nosy neighbour and
drawing tears and sympathy with details of her divorce and struggle to maintain her social status. There is a good balance between
laughter and sadness and her lapse into Irish twang is really hillarious. All together a wonderful breathtaking acting experience and this
relaxed but enthousiastic lady is going places.
