From the bathroom of a flat to performers running on treadmills, the Edinburgh Fringe has seen a variety of unusual performances in 2024.
The Fringe has always been built on the basis of welcoming all shows, no matter how out of the ordinary – but some of these might just take the ticket.
‘You’re Needy, Sounds Weird’ is held in the bathroom of a flat near Summerhall and only has room for one audience member, who usually sits on the toilet.
Laoisha Murray is the show’s co-creator and performer.
She said: “I play Carrie, who has retreated into her bathroom for peace, solitude and wellness.
“The audience member plays a volunteer who has come in to eventually coax me out the bathroom. We go through a bit of a journey together.
“It’s really different every time. I have to gauge if they are willing to chat and make eye contact, whether they want more or less connection.”
STV NewsShe added: “It’s acting on drugs. It’s very intense. You’re bringing up the intensity 100 times. Big part of acting is just listening, whether to a fellow actor or the audience.”
‘Burnout Paradise’ is a show where the performers run on treadmills throughout – completing tasks as they go, with a little help from the audience.
It’s even attracted the likes of American actor Neil Patrick Harris, who took to Instagram to share his own involvement in the performance.
Theatre-makers Dominic Weintraub and William Strom have only a few shows left to go and they are looking forward to a much-needed rest.
William said: “We do things like cooking a three course meal for the audience, we submit a grant application and a bunch of other stuff.”
Dominic added: “Throughout, have audiences helping us with tasks, peeling onions and garlic. We have people sending in responses for us to the grant applications.
“It’s about the grind and the struggle to keep all the balls in the air at any one time.
“This represents the reality of every artist is facing. An audience of strangers coming together to help these four struggling artists.”
But it’s not been without mishaps.
STV NewsOne show saw an inflatable beach ball being bounced around the theatre and jammed into a theatre light, which began to smoke and drip melting hot plastic into the audience.
“It’s not a moment we were very proud of, but it was okay – no one was injured!” Dominic said.
William added: “We did the rest of the show with the theatre lights off and just the house lights.”
In another interactive show for one, the audience member fills in for an employee at a basement office in Illinois while they’re on holiday.
And while this might just look like free labour – the storyline becomes clear through clues along the way.
The participant is invited to explore her cubicle, answer her phone, and receive her faxes as the story of Sarah Jane unfolds.
STV NewsArtistic director Alley Scott said “Temping is a one audience member at a time show; you are filling in for Sarah Jane and you’re temp for the day.
“It’s about personhood, isolation and loneliness, but we’re always there.
“The audience is the star of the show. We’ve never rehearsed with them before. But we’re taking care to ensure it’s the best ‘Temping’ experience they can have.
“It’s a bespoke show just for you.”
The 2024 Edinburgh Fringe closes on Monday August 26.
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