Edinburgh Fringe Survival - 101

What's in your handbag?

Like, the Boy Scots (or Scar from the Lion King) be prepared. It may be a cliche that women keep everything in their handbags but the Fringe is one time to conform to stereotypes to a degree. Now, it doesn't have to be a handbag or, if it is, then you don't have to be a woman. The point is, find a suitable carrying vessel and start cramming. Here, ladies and gentleman (not an exhaustive list) is how it's done: 

 https://vine.co/v/M9j0rT9dXQt

Your (my) essentials:

• Bottle of water - Slip a few ice cubes into it or pop yours in the freezer to keep it refreshing. NB: Don't leave it there too long or you will have a bottle-shaped iceberg to content with.
• Reading material - a Kindle is your friend. Paper books, magazines, newspapers ... something to generally keep you occupied between shows.
• Phone, camera or some way to capture the weird and the wonderful!
• Phone charger.
• All the layers and protection from every kind of weather- scarves, hats umbrellas, a fan for overly warm venues, sunglasses, sun lotion... basically everything you may need for all 4 seasons for one day of Edinburgh weather.
• Cash , including handfuls of change for the free show buckets.
• Fringe guide or Fringe app

Optional extras:

• A hip flask.
• Snacks of choice.
• Enough makeup to cover up the effects of those late nights.
• A notebook and pen. 

Now you have the basics down; you're ready to set out. Careful now!

What to know:

• Sneaky places where you can charge your mobile devices. Certain coffee shops are safe bets but sometimes you need to get creative. Keep an eye out for vacant power sockets and go, go, go!
• Where to keep yourself suitably caffeinated - know the best and quickest places to get your cup of Joe, mud, bean juice to either sit in or take on the go. If you want to combine this with the point above (Pop quiz: were you paying attention?) then the larger chains are a good bet. Beware of places that serve coffee as a side item or you may end up with brown and water.
• Ticket pick-up points. Avoid the main box office if you can. There are pick up points throughout the City and smaller box offices for Assembly, Underbelly and such to buy tickets on the day. Use them wisely.
• The art of weaving: Streets will be busy. People will move slowly. Know where you're going and plot your route. Then weave, my friends. Move quickly and with purpose round the people and through the wee gaps. 
• "Verve-ing": Remember the video from the Verve's "Bittersweet symphony"? Do it! Like the above but taking no prisoners. This is almost aggressive and purposeful movement. Add headphones to avoid all flyerererererers.... people who flyer you! 

Well, now you know. You have completed Fringe Survival 101. So, go out and get practicing.