The Royal Mile is Edinburgh Fringe’s battleground. Shows compete for attention and the public are bombarded with flyers, but how can you tell the good from the bad?

Kirsty Fraser has first-hand experience of flyering at the Fringe, and provides The Herald with an insiders guide on how to best tackle the Royal Mile.

  • Approach the mile with a willingness to talk to the performers. Remember that they have been there all day, probably in the rain, frantically trying to sell tickets. Take a minute to talk to them and ask questions about their show – it takes less time than trawling through the Fringe Brochure!
  • Look at the quality of the flyers. Use the “flap-ability” test. If the flyer doesn’t flap like a fan then it is a cheap flyer which, unfortunately, probably reflects the quality of the show.
  • If you want to move quickly on the mile, walk on the far right or far left. The centre will be choc-a-block with performers, but the sides will move along at a faster pace.
  • Keep a hold of your flyers. If you see a show and want to recommend it to people, then you can pass it on to someone else. The Fringe is all about word-of-mouth, so help spread the word about the best shows to see.

Finally, wear good shoes. The mile was not made for boot heels and brogues. Sturdy boots and trainers is the way to go on this long-cobbled street as you battle your way to the other end.