‘We Fringers look like the offspring of Heidi and a pack mule’ - Playwright Robin Rice Lichtig takes to the streets

Published on 20/08/2012 16:26

TODAY’S Edinburgh weather forecast: Light drizzle from 9-10am, then an hour of heavy rain, partly sunny heading into noon, a downpour, then bright sun, then partly cloudy, sun again, before the temperature plummets and rain descends before dusk.

It’s easy to spot the natives. They’re the ones with no umbrellas, dressed as if it really is summer. We Fringers look like the offspring of Heidi and a pack mule. Layers of clothes are topped off with satchels, backpacks and bags for the paraphernalia needed to do what we need to do to get our shows noticed.

Right now, in my bag, are a stapler, a huge roll of tape, 20 posters, blue sticky stuff for postering, an extra pair of shoes for when my sneakers are sodden, extra socks, printouts of flashers and releases for reviewers, a hat (I’m sunburned in Edinburgh), a phone, two pads, several granola bars, an apple, giveaways (candy, backpacks), about 500 flyers and miscellaneous necessaries. I forgot the umbrella back at the flat today.

This morning a healthy-looking young woman with vermilion hair showed up at the half-price ticket pavillion with a stool and a sign: Ten-Minute Massages. I gazed at her strong hands with longing. “How much?” You donate what you want, she said with a sweet smile. I’ve rarely been so tempted.

But the line of ticket-buyers was stretching out of the courtyard, down the walk toward the Scott Monument (despite the rain). In the line people thumbed through Fringe catalogues, made notes, stared at the lighted list of shows with slightly dazed expressions. I had to work it. “Would you like a flyer for my show? It’s a new play – a world premiere.”

• Robin Rice Lichtig’s new play Listen! The River, is at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, until 25 August, 1.55pm.