Holly Spillar: The ghosts of Edinburgh Fringe Past, Present and Future
Fringe Magic
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Fringe Magic 〰️
Image: Jennifer Forward
It’s time for Edinburgh Fringe 2025, and with it, our annual feature series! This year, we’re celebrating the special, unique Fringe moments — the ones that feel like pure MAGIC…
By Holly Spillar
The Past: Two Thousand and Twenty Five Years Ago
Shedinburgh. Manger, George Square, approx. 1am
The small, humble venue that started EVERYTHING (allegedly). One night only, sold out, standing crowd. Many audience members happily stood outside just to be close to this ART. No PR. Only marketing was a STAR. Performers claimed to have arrived in Edinburgh on a ‘Donkey’ – but a helicopter was seen leaving the venue at 2.30am, a large star from IKEA dangling off of it like an airborne uvula.
The Present...Twenty Twelve
Things have changed a lot since the distant past, most notably since 1896 when Athens first introduced the “modern” concept of the “Fringe”. With groovy new venues such as “big pool”, “running track” and “velodrome”. And PR and marketing stunts such as BIG TORCH and BIG RINGS. This fringe is sure to be a corker.
The Future...Three Thousand and Twelve
Things will have changed a lot since the distant past, most notably since 1896 when Athens first introduced the “modern” concept of the “Fringe”. With groovy old venues such as “big pool” – now underwater, “running track” – now underwater and “velodrome” – now underwater. This fringe is sure to be underwater.
Holly Spillar: Tall Child is running from July 30th-August 24th, 5:45pm, at Underbelly Bristo Square (Dexter). Tickets here
Read more about Edinburgh Fringe 2025:
