Fringe sales suffer amid Olympics and rain

PROMOTERS have admitted bad weather and a clash with the London Olympics have hit ticket sales during the first week of Fringe shows.

Regular downpours are said to have chased away the crowds from al fresco arenas, while other days have been affected by people glued to their televisions watching sports stars such as Andy Murray, Jessica Ennis and Sir Chris Hoy in action.

Only Saturday’s crowds are thought to have been as busy as expected at major venues, all of which reported better advance ticket sales in the run-up to the first reviews getting underway.

Sunday and Monday, traditionally the busiest days due to cheap ticket offers and giveaways, were badly affected by heavy rain.

Several promoters have brought in giant screens showing Olympic action in a bid to keep crowds inside venues or beer gardens. Most major promoters put tickets on sale months earlier than normal this year in the hope of persuading more people to commit to attending shows, while the Fringe launched a major campaign in London to help capitalise on the clash with the games.

However, Assembly’s artistic director William Burdett-Coutts said: “We were pretty rammed on Saturday, but the other days have been much quieter than normal.

“The rain hasn’t helped, especially on Sunday, but I think the predominant issue has been the Olympics.

“However, some of our shows are doing exceptionally well and we’re very hopeful things will pick up in the next couple of weeks.”

Anthony Alderson, artistic director at the Pleasance, said: “It has been a bit quieter than usual and I think it has been a combination of the weather and the Olympics.

“People have been getting so caught up in the Olympics. I’ve been watching it myself because it has been so exciting. But I do think we need to get a strong message out at the end of the Olympics that we are here for another two weeks.”

Tommy Sheppard, director of The Stand comedy club, said: “Saturday was busy, but other days have been much quieter.”