Your biggest risk isn't failing, it's getting too comfortable. Every day, we're writing a few more words of a story. I wanted my story to be an adventure and that's made all the difference.
– Drew Houston
When starting this blog, I pondered the thought of doing reviews of all the shows I was seeing at my (hopefully annual) trip to the Edinburgh Fringe. The question was how to organise those reviews. Do I write a new entry for every show? No, too much effort and everyone would get bored very quickly after seeing floods of reviews on my Facebook and Twitter. They will maybe get bored less quickly if I just do a daily blog and review the shows I saw that day. I knew it was not going to be easy, but gosh dang it I love a challenge.
The hardest thing about doing a review for every show I saw was that sometimes I found that I might not have strong opinions about a show, but I would have to try and make a three paragraph review all about it. Would it have been that big of an issue if I skipped those shows? No, but where is the fun in that? I am one that likes to push myself, sometimes to unnecessary extremes. For my last blog entry, I finished at 2.30am the morning after, even though at 10.30am I was meant to be out of the house to do a two-hour walk with my sister and brother-in-law. Lack of sleep aside, I do not regret any of what I have achieved during this time, though next year I might take it down a notch and review maybe three shows I have strong opinions about and be kinder to myself. Or maybe I won't. Because I am an idiot.
I have seen a diverse range of theatre this year; devised theatre, stand-up, dramas, comedies, and a cabaret. It was a crazy time. Though I think I can try and see even more genres, and explore new things I may not have in my daily life. The Fringe is the perfect time to do that, because if you end up not liking it, then there is another one nearby in ten-minutes that will be better. I am glad I saw 16 shows, and whilst I know that sounds like a lot, bear in mind that Nat saw 21 in three days. THREE DAYS. The woman was bonkers, but it was her choice of course. I, on the other hand, am glad I gave myself breaks to catch my breath, write reviews, and eat some proper meals. I am definitely going to try and replicate that pattern next year.
Finally, I want to thank Samantha and Mark for letting me stay with them. I felt bad that I hardly spent any time with them, so on my last day I deliberately did not book any shows so I could spend time with them – hence the two-hour walk. It was fine though as I ate a great burrito afterwards so it was worth the burn. I then got to cook for them and made my specialty dish: mushroom, asparagus, and salmon risotto. With a rather large portion of avocado brownies to finish. The fact I did not burn down their kitchen was a miracle. Anyway, I could not be more grateful for their kindness and putting with me gallivanting all day and then getting back in early hours of the morning. I hope to see them in October as Mark does his marathon in York, which I am stoked for!
To summarise, I am glad I made the choices I made whilst I was in Edinburgh, but maybe some more sleep would have been nice. If you want to hear my top 5 shows at the Fringe, subscribe to my YouTube channel! I try and make theatre based videos every week, and the Fringe will be this week's subject of interest. Also, you get to see my beautiful face and who would not want that?
Thank you to everyone who made this year's trip special, and to all the new friends I made along the way – including Ted, an elderly man, who retired from being an English teacher. We spoke for half an hour about theatre and Shakespeare. It really warmed my heart. I hope he somehow finds this and knows that it was a pleasure to meet him, and I wish him a wonderful time at all the shows he has booked to see.
Now, back to reality, and a normal sleeping pattern!
Until next year.
With love,
Carrie Mo
Lights, Carrie, Action 