Edinblog Day 3-6

The show is feeling good and fun to perform. I’m finding new things in it each time, and it’s enough of a challenge to get the balance right that I don’t see myself getting stuck in it or bored or overconfident just yet.

This week I had in some comedy festival judges (half full room, nice but quiet crowd. I did a decent job; the show was what it was - it’ll either be to their taste or not. The only way I’ll find out is if they come again, and then it’s rinse and repeat on the stress front), and some bookers for a TV panel show (full, lovely warm audience, I did a good job. If they didn’t like that, they don’t want me on their show. I won’t know until November either way).

I’m taking care of myself; surrounded by friends and artists in this festival who are on the raw edge of panic or overwork is a good reminder to step back and be relaxed. Having the family commitments and the D’Ancey book also gives me a counterweight to the existential vortex of the fringe, where the thing can fill your vision completely and feel like the only important thing. One of its great joys and pitfalls.

I’m doing more or less a minimum of other spots around the other place; one or two or three a day rather than five or ten, and avoiding the late nights, apart from a few solidly paid Best of The Fest type shows that feel “worth it”.

It’s been utterly delightful to have at least a couple of you lovely Patreon supporters in every night so far; what a great joy. Makes me feel such a friendly warm feeling.

In terms of replacing the equipment that was stolen in London, I now have a basic light, a basic podcasting one person podcasting mic and a computer, so can do all the things I need to do. I still need to get an omni or multi recorder to replace my old zoom H4N and handheld mics so I can do in-person podcasts again. Thankyou to the people who more than kindly put donations into the website shop donation link; it made what was otherwise a bit of a stressful logistical disaster into a totally heart-mending moment.

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

I hope you’re not sick of hearing this but I’m doing shows! If you are sick of hearing this, skip down to the bottom for upcoming Patreon events.

Twist – 2–28 August (no show 14th) @ 20:30

Underbelly, Bristo Square (Jersey)

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/alice-fraser-twist

As always, am offering 2 for 1s for Patrons on any night I’m not sold out. Please email or message me with proof of purchase of your ticket THE DAY BEFORE you are due to come, and (if messaging) include YOUR email so I can send you the complimentary ticket. Also hardship/artist tickets are available if you are strapped for cash or an artist who wants to come but would otherwise not be able to afford it. Email or message me with your email address and details likewise the day before and if it’s not sold out, I’ll put you on the door.

[the likelihood of shows being sold out is low earlier in the week and gets higher towards the weekend. How high? Depends on word of mouth and the quality of the flyering team.]

The Gargle (Live) – 15 & 22 August @ 15:10

The Stand’s New Town Theatre – Lower Hall

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/gargle-live

The first guests have been announced for these Live shows:

15th August - Alison Spittle

22nd August - Tom Ballard

And more! More more more! Buy tickets, tell your friends!

Patreonite Events

As always, the calendar provides the best overview (https://linktr.ee/alicefraser) but for those not connected to the magic of calendars here are the next few events.

In-Person Salon

The first in person Salon was lovely and chill, at the tea house on St Patrick Square, which is more or less a takeaway joint that slightly bemusedly does tea if you ask. I love it. This week’s will be at the slightly fancier Rosevear tea shop, which has agreed to serve us tea, as a special treat though they shut down their cafe angle during covid, and apparently have a limited number of chairs. If a bunch of people show up we may have to sit on the floor or relocate. Or, byo chair?

Thursday, 10 August⋅12:00 – 1:00pm (UTC +1)

Rosevear Tea: 17 Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9RJ, United Kingdom

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GeXjjAL5tSkfwG9B9?g_st=ic

Book Club

Friday, 11 August⋅1:30 – 2:30pm (UTC +1)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83820865351?pwd=ejRnbytBaVV0ejIyenBZSmFab3lHQT0

Writers Meeting and Workshop

Sunday, 13 August⋅2:30 – 4:30pm (UTC +1)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87903581898?pwd=TnQrTEpkYlhaK3JhWUFodDZKNjFWdz09

Weekly Salon

The Zoom Salon on 14 August has been cancelled – it’s my only day off from doing Twist this month, I’m not taking any other gigs that day and I think this needs to be a full day off. Sorry folks!

D’Ancey LaGuarde

Writing of this deranged enterprise continues apace (the pace is slow) and it’s shaping up to be something truly silly. I’m thinking I need to hit up romance novel podcasts if I want anyone but Gargle/Last Post fans to buy the book. I feel like romance novel readers have a sense of humour about the genre that might mean they embrace the spirit of D’Ancey.

https://unbound.com/books/the-dancey-laguarde-reader/