Here is the place to write a Show Report for your venue, detailing as much information as you can that might help shows there in years to come. Include things such as dimensions of stage, passing traffic, good spots to flyer, useful promo, tech equipment, ambient noise; anything that will help give shows a good idea of the venue before they arrive. **Please include your show number so we can confirm your show report is in the right venue forum**
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Hey, show 244. I thought things went quite well, on the whole, though after being repeatedly assured a PA system would be there, it was rather a shock to discover that the sound system my entire show depended upon wasn't there. I had brought an emergency backup just in case, but had I not, I wouldn't have been able to perform. That's not the venue's fault, though. Room is cosy - might be able to hold about 18-20 people, more if they sit on the floor. Stage is ample enough; having had some posterboard that could be put over the flickering light that shone in from outside would've improved things (I think it was a dodgy streetlight). Noise didn't seem excessive. It's a bit out from the city centre, and I was without a show on before me for much of my run, which made things a little harder. On the whole, I had a pretty good experience.
Also, I thought the group of Free Fringers I was with was fantastic.
'A Fringe Affair' Show 280 I had previously accepted an offer for NFK for the 2020 Fringe, before Recent Events meant that couldn't happen, so it was wonderful to finally make it there this year. I wasn't quite sure what to expect; some was surprising, a lot was delightful. I think the lack of a PA mentioned above is something that needs addressing. Frankly, the room is small enough that a PA would be more hassle than it's worth, but this should be made clear to acts when an offer is made, especially if their show is dependent on amplification. I think there were about 24 seats in the room, plus two from the venue itself. This created some interesting situations as there would often be more chairs than there was room in the audience! There were issues with heat and noise bleed, but these never proved to be insurmountable. I had some difficulty finding a good place to flyer, an issue not helped when the Council decided to stick a sign advising people about roadworks on the pavement almost directly outside NFK, but this was beyond the control of anyone at the venue or involved with PBH. The group of performers at NFK this year were a joy to work with; I had many delightful conversations, made a few new friends, and was quietly humbled by the support I received from my fellow Free Fringers. I also have to mention the seemingly boundless generosity Finlay, the owner, displayed towards me. I would gladly return to NFK as a PBH performer in future, and am crossing my fingers I'll be seeing it a lot for many Fringes to come.
My name is Adam. (Show #199 Adventures of a Flying Bookseller) Good experience in the Natural Food Kafe. Finlay (runs the space) was supportive and curious. I really appreciated his offer of free tea/coffee and laundry. The other performers (that I met) in the space were fun to talk with and very supportive. dimensions of stage - No 'stage' but floor space in a room. Lots of chairs considering the size of the room. I often piled a few up at the back out of the way to create the feeling of more space in the room. Comfortable size for an intimate talking/discussion show. Could also have a few less chairs. ambient noise - you are in the cellar of a cafe/Laundry. It can get warm. I left the door open for every show. Sometimes this meant there were customers passing by and talking with Finlay about their washing. Wasn't so much of a distraction, but I always gave the audience a choice - we could close the door if they felt more comfortable. Don't remember any street noise. passing traffic / good spots to flyer / useful promo - My show started at 11:50am every day. I would arrive early and exit flyer the two shows before mine. Up until 5 minutes before my start time I would be on the street outside the cafe advertising the show. A mixture of shouting loudly and showing people an A4 poster I had printed off. They could photograph the poster with the info. I made no flyers. Only three other posters (2 A3 size in the windows and 1 on my travel case). Part environmental/financial reasons. Had an audience every day. Spots to Flyer - everywhere, talk about your show with pride and good humour - even before the festival starts. Tech equipment - all I needed was for there to be a working lightbulb and a room. I had both of those. There was a standing lamp if necessary. No need for a microphone. At the end of my show I sold copies of my book. Audience members all bought a copy, but I didn't get any other small donations. Questions? - thoughts@thefirstjunipertree.com
I'm not good with IT, so this may be expressed and set out in the wrong way, BUT. My name is Vin Arthey. My show was Number 637 - 'From My Commonplace Book'. This was my first Fringe as a performer, and the first time I'd done this show. I've read the above reports, and go along with what's said. I didn't need any sort of PA, and could adjust the lights and seating to suit. The flickering light was not from outside, but a faulty bulb inside. Finlay (see above) showed me where to turn it off. The NFK hosting was superb. Finlay and his father (mine host) were welcoming and helpful. I was outnumbered by the audience for every performance, and virtually everyone contributed something in the bucket. I am Edinburgh-based, and most of my audience was friends, contacts, etc. I covered my expenses and was able to contribute 5 for each performance to the PBH FF coffers. I spent too much on flyers. I didn't have enough time to distribute them, and the time I spent doing it was exhausting. Added to that, the venue is a BIT away from the centre. Next time I would try to promote online and via apps, but I would need to find the funding and support to be able to do that. I should mention NFK Venue captain Chris O'Neill - hugely supportive . Thank you, Chris,a nd everyone
I have a very weird show with a strange set of needs... and this venue was spot on for what I needed. Small, max of about 30ish. A little out of town. Lovely staff. I missed one show for lack of audience in the 23, but that was a train strike. I'd recommend it if you need a small, intimate audience, but also a lot of light and no gear getting between you and them. If your show needs the separation of a stage, of lighting, or just works well with a lot of folks this ain't for you, but if you need a small number of chill folks then I just want my spot again next year alright