29 Sept 2008 - Venue and Performers Manager, Edinburgh Fringe

29^th Sept 2008

Venue and Performers Manager, Edinburgh Fringe

So 2 and half weeks later I was boarding a train back up to a quieter Edinburgh then I had just left.

The first week I did some speed learning for the position, I had to learn the year schedule and every stage in 5 days. I am only here for 4 and half months so I have to understand all of it as I have to do a hand over to some one else.

Its a big job but not over whelming, I think I have been primed enough with 6 years in Brighton. And although there were many sympathetic looks from the people I told what Job I had taken, I actually think its a great challenge and not in the least bit scary. The thing is it feels more serious; there is a lot more budgeting, legal issues and dealing with people with real serious issues. Obviously in Brighton there are similar subjects but here there is so much more of it.

I have decided while I am here, to not only pay back the debt from running the Lodge this year, but to use the time wisely for self bettering... by this I mean no drinking, eating only green things (with in reason of course), exercise and getting back into arts and crafts in the evening.

I did an Arts degree - interactive arts, Manchester University - ask no more it is run by ‘acid casualty’ throwbacks from the 60's. Since the degree sapped the creativity from my very bones I have done less than 5 real pieces of artwork since and I graduated in 1999. So in my evenings in on my own I shall be trying to revive the inner creative.

I had a good weekend in Berkshire, it was like summer! The weather was glorious, the day started off misty and you could see hundreds of spider’s webs in garden, which were covered in dew. Then the sun came up, dried out the air and it was boiling.

I got very pissed the first night down; I think it was a relief to be off the train and also Alex’s mums birthday. I drank a lot of delicious red wine and apparently did a dance for Alex’s Nan in the kitchen to the ballads of HeartFM… needless to say Friday was just spend lounging around, we retired for he day!

28 Sept 2008 - Venue and Performers Manager, Edinburgh Fringe

28^th Sept 2008

Venue and Performers Manager, Edinburgh Fringe

I am now into the 8th hour of what is turning out to be a 9-hour journey home. Some one please remind me not to travel on a Sunday! I am on my way back to Edinburgh 8.08pm and if left my mothers house at 11.30 this morning.... harrumph!

This also marks my third week of being Venues and Performers manager at the Edinburgh Fringe - hence the reason I am Scotland bound.

One the very last day of the Edinburgh fringe this August I was offered this new position as Amber Rimmer (formally V&P manger) has left to join the circus and is now working in Melbourne for the Spiegeltent. What with a few other members of the Edinburgh Fringe leaving, after a difficult festival (ticket wise) I was asked to join the team.

I had about 4 days to give an answer to the offer and in those days I had to do the weary get out of the Roman Eagle lodge (venue 21)... I remember back to the get in when we practically bounded up the stairs, seating rake in hand and got it done in record time.... this time on the way out it was a very different story. This not helped by a very unhealthy hanger over; I was barley able to lift a chair down the stairs! on the way in I took 5 in one had and a piece of scaffolding in the other up 2 flights of stairs. The festival had once again taken its toll on our bodies.