Craig Hill is a cheeky, kilt-wearing stand up who lives in Edinburgh. Here he lets us in on all his secrets – and on what he’s learned after 25 years at the Fringe.
What I wish I’d known 25 years ago when I did my first Fringe
Pace yourself. Don’t go hell for leather on that first weekend. And remember, it’s not an endurance test, it’s supposed to be fun! Do everything you can to make yourself last a whole month because it’s worth it. If you’re enjoying performing your show, then you’ll really enjoy your Fringe!
And remember, the whole thing disappears so quickly, so relish it! Dinnae waste a minute!
What are your top Fringe survival tips?
Well, it depends if you’re meaning survival tips for punters or for performers. For performers, it’s the most boring answer in the world, but not getting wellied is my Fringe survival tip. The hardest thing in the Fringe is consistency. If people have come to your show and had a fun time and they’re telling their friends to go and see you then you better be fun every single night and I’ve learned you need to be the most energetic version of yourself to do that. I’ve got to the stage where that’s what I get a buzz from. From feeling so, ‘on’ and up for it. Sometimes we forget, but as a performer that show should be the highlight of your whole day. I think when you’re ready for it and you’re looking after yourself that’s what happens. I actually look forward to that moment every night! Don’t get me wrong, I love getting wellied but that can happen in September! 😂
Why do I still love the Fringe
It’s a buzz. It’s tangible. This quiet reserved city completely changes for one month and it’s just the most exciting place to be in August. I love the crowds, I love the buzz inside and outside all the venues. I love seeing performers and plays and musicians and cabaret artists I’ve never seen before and being blown away and inspired by it all. Also, it’s such a fun month to catch up with your friends who are all coming into the city. And a really unique opportunity to catch up with all your comedy pals as well.
How to get the most out of Edinburgh
If your priority is seeing as many good shows as possible get everything booked in advance. All the things you think you’re going to be able to see, can sell out really quickly, so try and get that ticket in early.
But to have fun in the city, just get up get out and follow your nose. I still think it’s fun to take a chance on something you have no idea what it is. That’s what I think the spirit of the fringe is about, that’s what it was always about.
I think it would be fab to be a punter. I’d get up, meet a friend for breakfast, go and see a piece of theatre before midday, have a wander up the Royal Mile. Have a coffee, watch the world go by, take a spontaneous chance on a ticket when someone flyers you, meet friends in one of the outdoor bars that only exist during the fringe, go for dinner at the Outsider (which is practically my annual Fringe thing) then go and see some late night comedy and laugh your ass off!
As an Edinburgh local is there anything you don’t like about the Fringe?
I think when you can’t get tickets for a show that you’re desperate to see. Or in my case when the show is on exactly at the same time as me, and I can’t see it. Almost everything I want to see is on at the same time as me! 😂
Also taxis sitting in traffic making you late for a show. I think it would be fantastic for the month of August to have absolutely no roadworks over the whole of Edinburgh. Just give us a month to enjoy the city and make it easier to get about.
What are your favourite places to eat and drink?
Well, those are my two favourite things to do in the world! My favourite restaurant in Edinburgh is Noto. I tend not to eat out much during the Fringe because I’m working in the evening, but if I was free, this is exactly where I would go.
Also, the food scene in Edinburgh is just getting better and better. Two new fantastic additions are a restaurant on Leith Walk called Mirin and Montrose in Abbeyhill.
Drinks wise, I would head down to Good Brothers on Northumberland Street because they’re wee experts on wine! And there’s a great little wine shop called Bacco on Dundas Street where you can sit in and sample the wine and enjoy the fantastic pasta from next door.
As for in town, I would definitely go to Outsider restaurant for that fabulous view of the Castle fireworks every single night and there’s a brilliant place for lunch just opened in the old Royal Infirmary building which has just had the most amazing makeover into the Edinburgh Futures Institute. The actual lunch spot is called Canopy Kitchen and Courtyard. Try the sausage and mash it’s amazing!
On a sunny day, if you want to escape the fringe a bit, there’s a fantastic little outdoor suntrap at The Star Bar right in the middle of the New Town.
What are your favourite Fringe haunts?
I mean, you can’t beat The Pleasance Courtyard or The Assembly Gardens – they ‘are’ the Fringe! I think I just love the fact that they only exist in Edinburgh for that month. Anything that is not normally here you should jump on because it it’s so unique. I know they’re a bit weather dependent but when the weather is great, so is the atmosphere.
Do you have any tips for people wanting a bit of peace and quiet?
One of my other favourite places which I’m reluctant to give away because it’s such a fantastically quiet space is the whisky bar at Hotel De Vin. Beautifully central and a great place to catch up with friends. And if you really want to escape, get yourself down to Leith! So many great bars and restaurants down Leith walk but one of my favourites is Nauticus on Duke Street.
Which shows are you planning to go and see this year?
The first two shows I booked were Sarah Keyworth who won best show at Melbourne Comedy Festival and Ray O’Leary who I saw doing a 10 minute spot and had me in stitches!
I always love Josh Glanc and this year I’m quite intrigued by the title
Séayoncé: She Must Be Hung! I know nothing about it but that title would get me in the door! 😂👍
Do you have any advice about how to be a well-behaved audience member?
Turn up with your happy face, your happy friends and a wee tipple that makes you happy and you’ll get the most out of this fantastic month!
