We asked Patrick James Withey, Artistic Director of Black Hound Productions to share some advice for anyone wanting to perform at the Fringe.

Taking your show to the Edinburgh Fringe is a milestone for any emerging theatre company. It’s the world’s biggest arts festival, where the streets hum with the energy of performers, creators, and creatives, all trying to make their mark. For those of us just starting out, it’s equal parts exciting and terrifying. Over the years, I've taken three different productions with Black Hound Productions, so I’ve seen both sides of this crazy festival. And trust me, no one really prepares you for the sheer scale of it.

Here’s my honest take on what it’s like to dive into the Fringe as an early-career theatre-maker, from the triumphs to the tough realities.

In 2022, we took two productions to the Fringe — Alright? and Seeds of Memories. It was our first time at the festival, and we thought of it as a huge opportunity to get our work in front of a broader audience. The plan was to start making connections with national venues and build some buzz. Fast forward to 2023, and we brought an immersive piece, Ctrl Room:_ for the Army, which was built specifically for the Fringe after the venue approached us. While both years had their challenges, they were also moments of immense growth for the company.

I won’t sugarcoat it - financially, the Fringe is tough. In both 2022 and 2023, we faced hefty costs. Despite having two shows in 2022, the costs for both years were surprisingly similar. In 2022, we just managed to break even after a major fundraising push. In 2023, however, we ended up losing just over £1,000.

It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of it all and forget how expensive it is to be there, especially when you’re doing it independently. From venue fees to accommodation, travel, and production costs, it adds up. To be honest, it’s not a money-making venture for an emerging company; or even for the big hitters with thousands to spend on PRs and beautiful venues. It's more about exposure and experience. But at the end of the day, that exposure is priceless.

Let’s talk about surprises. The thing no one really tells you? The sheer volume of shows. There are literally thousands of performances happening all at once. And the competition is fierce. It’s overwhelming to know that your show is one of many vying for the attention of a limited pool of potential audience members.

Someone suggested I play a game of selecting your show's time slot on the Fringe website and then seeing how many other shows are happening at that exact moment. I wouldn’t recommend it! It’s terrifying but also kind of exciting. It really puts into perspective how many artists and shows you’re competing with. But then again, it also highlights how unique your work is and why it matters to be there.

Despite the challenges, there are moments that make the whole thing worth it. For us, it was the connections we made after both of our Fringe runs. Venues started noticing us, and we received some solid press coverage. The Fringe is a goldmine for networking and connecting with people from all parts of the industry, and while it’s a hustle, the opportunities are real. It’s the hub of the theatre world for a few weeks, and the chances of getting noticed are much higher than they would be if you were at home in a small Somerset town.

Plus, Edinburgh is an inspiring place to be. The atmosphere of the city in the lead-up to the festival, the late nights with fellow creators, the shared struggle - it all fuels you. You can feel that collective drive for something bigger than just your own work.

Now, let’s get real: The Fringe is tough on your finances and your mental health. From the pressure of selling tickets to the costs spiraling out of control, there are moments that feel borderline impossible. The festival is being increasingly commercialised, and even the smallest marketing packages are often larger than the entire production budget.

In 2023, for instance, the cost of one prime location billboard was more than what we spent on the entire production. So yeah, it’s definitely tough for emerging artists.

Emotionally, it’s no easier. Seeing other companies fold within days because they weren’t selling tickets while others seemed to sell out in a heartbeat was tough. The highs and lows are extreme, so it’s crucial to take care of your mental health and have a strong support system.

Five top tips for Fringe first-timers:

1. Know why you’re going
   The Fringe can be all-consuming. To survive, you need to be clear about why you’re there. Whether it’s for exposure, networking, or just getting your work out there, staying focused on your goal helps you stay grounded.
   
2. Order an online shop
   When you arrive, you’ll be exhausted. So, plan ahead and have an online shopping order sent to your accommodation with essentials like snacks, toiletries, and any forgotten items. Trust me - after a long travel day, you’ll be thankful you don’t have to hit the shops. Just make sure you change the delivery address, you don’t want your months essentials accidentally turning up at home 100s of miles away - sorry mum! I won’t make that mistake again.
   
3. Spread the love
   If friends want to come visit, encourage them to space out their visits. Fresh faces really help when you’re working non-stop, and can help to break up the routine. But, after working closely with your team for weeks, personal space is crucial for maintaining your sanity!
   
4. Go to Mary’s Milkbar
   If you need a break, head to Mary’s Milkbar for a sorbet. They make new flavours daily, but their ginger and lemon ice cream is a real lifesaver when Fringe Flu hits. The place is a hidden gem. Take a moment to sit, relax, and look up at the castle. It’s the kind of place that helps you recharge when you’re running on fumes.
   
5. See other shows
   It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of your own work, but make time to watch other performances. You’ll learn a lot from what others are doing, and it’ll help keep your creative juices flowing. Plus, you might get some inspiration for your next project.

A final thought... would I do it again?

Absolutely, with the right show and the right circumstances. The Fringe has this magnetic energy, and there's something about the city being taken over by artists that feels genuinely invigorating. It’s a celebration of creativity and innovation, and I love being part of that buzz.

It’s not easy, but if you’re ready to take the plunge, the rewards are worth it. Not just in terms of exposure, but in the connections you’ll make, the lessons you’ll learn, and the confidence you’ll gain as a creator.

So, if you're thinking about taking your own show to the Fringe, go for it. It’ll be a ride you won’t forget.

blackhoundproductions.co.uk