Getting into training

US actor and producer Tom Franco

What a great day I had last Wednesday alongside Fringe Chair Ian Bowns and Fringe Events co-ordinator Rob Harrison at Manchester Piccadilly station plus representatives from the High Peak and Hope Valley Community Rail Partnership!

This is the third time we have had a stand at the station - so we must like doing it - and it is lovely to be able to talk in a joined up fashion about our wonderful Fringe and how easy it is to get there on the Manchester train line. We like to promote sustainable travel and are also working with D&G and High Peak Buses - you may have seen our posters on their buses.

On a personal note, given that I often spend my time staring at a computer screen, it was great to meet some of our supporters and potential audience member - you could say I was getting into training for the much more sociable time I’m about to enjoy when the Fringe starts next week when I will be seeing loads of shows and events and taking advantage of the resurrected Fringe Club at Underground’s Buxton Working Men’s Club site, also home to the Launch Party on Tuesday night.

Not every commuter wants their journey interrupted by someone in an orange T shirt so I was so struck by the friendliness and kindness of all those who were interested in what we were up to - whether it was the man who offered to take our programmes to the chippy or the visiting US actor and producer (Tom Franco, pictured) who was so excited by Buxton Fringe and its huge comedy line-up this year. I also made time for a little trip to Manchester Art Gallery where they were only too pleased to display our programmes in their racks.

Following an easy journey back on the train reading my book, I reflected that I really do enjoy train travel.  2025 marks the 200th anniversary of the modern railway. The regular train service from Manchester to Buxton (with its beautifully looked after station) offers some fantastic country views as well!