Stage Manager Phil Hunter On A Changing Festival

Another festival is almost over and as a lowly techie asked to write a blog out of the blue I was thinking about what I get from being here every year. It’s always fun, I meet new people, I work on some great shows and a good time is had by all.

But I wonder if the event as a whole has lost its way. There used to be a buzz. Certain shows would attract attention and across all of the venues one would have an idea of what is going on and what has to be seen. It is not surprising that the event gets bigger every year but it seems that over the last few years this had lead to a dilution. More venues demand more shows which means that anyone with the cash can get a show on at the fringe. The Big venues still vet their acts and I am lucky enough to work at that end of the festival, but as more and more venues open up in disused buildings, bins and letter boxes I fear that the festival is headed more towards the Britain’s got talent end of the market.

I would welcome a return to a smaller festival with higher standards. Let’s weed out the drivel and come back to what the festival was originally about. A spirit which is more readily found at the free fringe than an upside down cow these days. And Oh yes, go and see Showstopper!