Edinburgh Fringe 2023 started with a divisive story. Georgie Greer, subsequently known as “crying girl”, posted a tearful picture on social media after her first show had only one person in the audience. Receiving encouraging messages of support from the likes of Dara Ó Briain and Jason Manford, the story went viral with fellow performers sympathising and industry types suspecting a PR stunt – not least when it emerged that she had posted a similar teary image on the first day of the previous Fringe.
From the safe distance of London when the “crying girl” story broke, I was fairly agnostic about the ensuing debate. Had a passing thought of “why doesn’t she just flyer more?” But then arriving in Edinburgh myself, away from home comforts, in shared accommodation, I finally remembered how daunting the Fringe can be. Especially for those solo performers who are producing their own show, who are their own marketing team. Hurled into this overwhelming crucible, spending a lot of time in your own head, you begin to understand how emotions can be turned up to the max.
Even as a reviewer arriving at the Fringe, it does take time to acclimatise. For me, Day 2 was mentally a challenge. Lack of sleep, a three-show day (and of course the first show was much more complicated than expected so there’s the added pressure of knowing it will take longer to write than you’ve scheduled for) and you find yourself traversing Edinburgh amidst the hustle and bustle and not having a single proper conversation with anyone the whole day. You begin to understand how easy it is to be happy one hour and down the next at the Fringe.
So I take my hat off to all Fringe performers for their resilience and well done for simply getting through your run. And again, appreciation to the Fringe team and the charity Health in Mind for providing a range of mental health support services throughout August.