As I recently joined the board of the Vancouver Fringe Festival, I’ve got an increasing interest in the administration of fringe festivals around the world. The biggest one, as you probably know, is in Edinburgh, Scotland. It’s apparently the largest arts festival in the world.
The folks at the Podcast Network have launched the Edinburgh Fringe Podcast:
Fans of the Edinburgh Fringe, no matter where they are, will be able to see and hear what’s going on in Scotland’s capital in August. With a team of dedicated reviewers, interviews galore, and a dash of magic, the Fringe Podcast gives people at the Fringe a backstage pass in their pocket that they can listen to whenever and wherever they are. And if they’re not at the Fringe, they can find out just what they’re missing, as The Podcast Network team takes you to the performances and artists that everyone wants to get to.
Disappointingly, the show’s host, Ewan Spence, has a fairly intelligible accent.
When I attended the Edinburgh Fringe in 2002, I had a fabulous time. The festival was fantastically run, and I developed a real affection for the city.
DarrenBarefoot.com 
“… Ewan Spence has a fairly intelligible accent.” You would expect rich Scottish burrs (“burghs”? sorry, that’s a stretch even for a bad pun) in Edinburgh, but you would be disappointed. That’s because Edinburgh is full of English people.
I was actually disappointed with some of Vancouver’s Fringe in comparison to Saskatoon, if you can believe it. Saskatoon and Edmonton block off roads and have lots of buskers, so there is a fun street carnival feel. I’d like it if Vancouver could do that too.
1. I’ll be going up to Edin. for a bit anything you’d recommend?
2. On arts and theatre blogs etc.
Theatre bloggers Ben Yeoh (see benjaminyeoh.com) and Krazy Kritic (see http://blog.theweddingcollective.org/) are having a debate.
Krazy contends Saffron Burrows can’t act and that too many celebrities get cast because of fame and looks, not talent.
Ben doesn’t necessarily contest this, but offers explanations and thoughts on the matter, and reserves judgement on Saffron as he has seen her in anything.
So, to extend the debate, Krazy has offered £100 to the best defence of Saffron’s acting to really see if anyone thinks she is any good.
Do you know anyone who would come to Saffron’s defence? Spread the word.
Please see benjaminyeoh.com and archives at http://spittingyarn.com/benjaminyeoh/archives/16 and http://blog.theweddingcollective.org/
You know, I haven’t really looked at the (daunting) Edinburgh Fringe schedule, so I can’t offer any recommendations. I can, however, agree that Saffron Bellows couldn’t act her way out of a wet paper bag. She is, on the other hand, pretty hot.