| We will start the main process
of applications for 2007 in December 2006 and January 2007, right through to the Programme
deadline in April 2007. However we are happy to talk to you through the year, so if
you want to discuss anything or enquire about the Free fringe please email us on info@freefringe.com The venue details linked below will give you a good idea of our rooms at the
Canon's Gait, Lindsays, The Meadow Bar and Jekyll & Hyde in 2006. Any updated information
for 2007 will appear after Fringe 2006.
Information on these
pages are correct prior to Fringe 2006. Information will updated for 2007 applications after
fringe 2006.
About The Free Fringe - How
does it work or differ from other Fringe venues?
Laughing Horse Comedy and Peter Buckley Hill offer a
completely different deal in a Fringe venue for performers. Usually venues at the
Fringe charge performers a large amount of money for a room, and then further costs for
appearing in venue brochures, a split of the door, publicity costs, technicians and usually
many other things. This is on top of the already expensive accommodation, publicity and
programme entry that need to be organised for a Fringe show. WE DO NOT DO THAT.
All performers at our venues can book a space FOR FREE.
There are no venue costs, whatsoever. However, acts at our venues cannot
charge audiences to see their shows, although the performers may carry out a collection at the
end of the performance. We provide a fully set-up venue, you provide your show and
your own publicity.
In 2005 a well-performed collection averaged £1.20 per
audience member, with most show averaging 40-50 people in the audience at both venues. Peak
audiences of up to 90 are possible and were achieved throughout the Fringe in 2005 at many
times of the day.
The average audience at one of our evening Free Fringe
shows in 2005 was 60 people, with most evening shows in the smaller room at Lindsay's
selling out. With audiences of 30-50 expected at lunchtime and afternoon shows for well
publicised shows. This is a lot more than for a lot of shows in the bigger venues.
On average, if your show is good, somebody will donate £1.20 to a properly carried out
collection at the end of a performance. You won't make money doing the Fringe this way,
however you won't make money doing the Fringe the traditional way - and you will loose
a lot less money by doing it this way, and possibly even break even as some performers did in
2005.
By doing a show for Free you still have all the benefits
of performing a show the traditional way, without a lot of the costs. Every show at
the Free Fringe in 2005 was reviewed, with 5 four-star reviews and numerous three-star reviews
from all of the main reviewers, including The Scotsman, The List, Chortle, Fest, Three weeks
and many internet based publications. Shows have been picked up to tour other festivals and
acts have received bookings for further work. During the Fringe acts have also had the chance
to perform their shows in front of large, appreciative audiences - instead of the small
audiences usually associated with the Fringe.
Time Slots
Most venues will book shows in hour slots, this usually includes
the get-in and get out. At our venues we have a comfortable 15 minutes between each
show to allow the audience to come and leave in a civilised manner, and allow the
performers plenty of time to set-up and pack away, and also to do a full hour show. Although
you may obviously book other lengths of time slots if needed - if you want a shorter or longer
show this is fine.
Laughing Horse Comedy and Peter Buckley Hill have many
years of expertise in running comedy shows and venues nationally, along with 10 years
experience of running free shows on the Fringe. We aim to make a Fringe performers
experience an enjoyable one, and less expensive one, and we will be on hand before and
throughout the festival to offer any advice you may want. Our venues are friendly, and
have a great atmosphere to make your Fringe experience an enjoyable one, as well as a
productive one.
Click here to Read more about the Free Fringe |
