Take Five … Edinburgh Fringe How-to Shows
No need to go back to school. This year’s Edinburgh Fringe offers plenty of adult learning opportunies thanks to a host of “how-to” shows. From being awesome to learning killing zombies, the Fringe will teach you how to tackle the important stuff of life. In addition to the shows shortlisted below, for current and would-be festival practitioners, we recommend you also check out the range of talks and events on how to make your festival show a success organised by the Fringe society.
1) How to Be Awesome – An Introduction
If you’re not just looking for a Fringe show, but also a lifestyle guide then How To Be Awesome – An Introduction should fit the bill. Lou Sanders, as seen on BBC3 and ITV4, tackles all of life’s questions…with props! Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3-29 August, 17.00.
2) How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse: The End Is Nigh
After two Edinburgh sell-out years, School of Survival are back for their final show. Featuring all the latest tips and tricks for battling the undead, this show will leave you prepared for the impending zombie invasion. Zoo Southside, 5-27 August, 19.45.
3) How to Be Patient With Arseholes
This show attempts to discover the secret of how to turn difficult people into sources of learning and self-growth. Join Bishy as he tries to sort out his problems, rather than despairing. Laughing Horse at The Three Sisters, 4-28 August, 00.30.
A bit of an odd-one-out on this list, How to Catch a Rabbit is the world premiere of LSE’s Student Theatre Company. The play offers a brutal and exciting insight into the gritty life of an urban gypsy family in southeast London. The show is written and directed by Alex Rodin, whose stage adaptation of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest was nominated for Best Play at London Festival Fringe 2011. TheSpaces on The Mile, 5-20 August, 12.20.
5) How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found
Another stage drama and winner of the 2007 John Whiting Award, the story follows Charlie Hunt as he tries to leave behind his pointless existence and create a new life for himself. Along the way, he has to face some existential questions, about who we are and how we are connected. TheSpaces on North Bridge, 15-20 August, 20.05.
