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How Big Is Too Big?Dateline: 29th August, 2004I've been receiving emails this week from the producers/directors/actors of Edinburgh Fringe shows asking "Why didn't you review us?" The answer is easy: 1,700 shows and just six of us. That's 283 and a third shows each, or 13 and a half shows per day each for the full three weeks. It's just not possible! I reviewed seven in one day and was exhausted at the end of it. There is no way I could keep that up. On the other hand, I know reviewers who do more - Ian Shuttleworth of the FT and Lyn Gardner of the Guardian make me look like a wimp (but then, I'm older than both of them!), as does Philip - but even these workaholics couldn't manage 13 shows a day for three weeks. So that's the answer to those email writers. But this year I've been getting a slightly different type of email; "Why didn't anyone review us?" Even Three Weeks, with its hoard of reviewers, didn't manage every show. There are simply too many shows for every one to be seen: no publication could afford to have so many reviewers working. Even The Scotsman gave up trying to review every show a number a years ago. Which makes me wonder if theose who question the size of the Fringe might not be right. After all, the reason companies come to Edinburgh for all or part of those mad three weeks is to be seen and discovered, either by a wandering producer looking for shows to tour or an influential reviewer. If the chances of that happening are small to vanishing, then they'll stop coming. The problem - and the joy! - of the Edinburgh Fringe is that it is totally non-selective: if you can afford a venue and all the associated expenses, then you can appear there, whether your show is brilliant or absolutely terrible. Size is beginning to be a problem! Perhaps it's time for Paul Gudgeon and his team to do a bit of contingency planning. How big is too big? Articles Indices:
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