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| Reviews displayed at the Fringe Information Desk |
It's late May already and all things Fringe are really hotting up. Our bumper 64-page programme is with the printers and will be available at our Programme Party on 6th June, then at outlets around the town.
The next challenge is finding reviewers for all of our 230 or so entries!
I love doing reviews, but that's too many for one woman, or indeed all of the committee and our existing reviewers, so that's why we are asking for extra people to get involved this year.
The things I love about reviews are looking at the list of first nights with anticipation; will any of my favourite performers be back this year? What new shows will tempt me? Then turning up on the first night, the excitement of sitting in the audience waiting for the show to start or of being one of the first to look round an exhibition. Getting caught up in the performance, then remembering I'm there to work, hastily counting audience numbers (as requested by Fringe organisers), unobtrusively getting out my note book, then of course forgetting to make notes as the performance begins...
For me writing reviews is one of the most rewarding bits of the Fringe; the committee has been beavering away since last September to get this year's Fringe up and running and being there on the first night is so satisfying and rewarding, experiencing the fruits of all our labours and seeing other people enjoy themselves as well.
I've seen some truly wonderful performances as a reviewer, every thing from laugh-till-I cry comedy and powerful and thought-provoking theatre to classical piano, folk, jazz and art. There really is a vast choice.
I talk to Reviews supremo Stephen Walker about why people should volunteer for reviews and what they should expect. "The majority of our entrants request first night reviews" he tells me, "These really help potential audience members decide if the show is for them, it helps with ticket sales and gives performers feedback as well as quotes for future events' publicity".
So I know why I volunteer to review but what's in it for other people? "Reviewers receive a free ticket to the show they have selected. It will be the event's first night at Buxton Fringe and sometimes we have premieres of new work not seen anywhere else. Reviewers can chose from all of our categories; comedy, theatre and music tend to be the biggest, but there's lots of choice. Reviewing can be really exciting. We get some really high quality shows!"
Sounds like a bit of a balancing act; is there any support for new reviewers? "Yes there's lots of guidance and tips on our website and as the Reviews Co-ordinator I'm there to offer support", says Stephen.
"The main aim is to capture the flavour of the show, its standout moments, its mood or helpful ideas for improvements. We want to be supportive to our entrants while giving audiences enough information to decide if it's for them or not."
Would you advise new reviewers to stick to what they know or go off piste with a new genre? "I'd say for your first time, chose something you like the sound of and think you'll enjoy, whether its new to you or more familiar. Then once you've experienced the process and got some confidence you can be more adventurous if you want."
Any one interested in joining our group of reviewers please contact Stephen at
reviews@buxtonfringe.org.uk
Carole Garner
Buxton Fringe
Website: www.buxtonfringe.org.uk
Facebook: @buxtonfringe
Bluesky: @buxtonfringe
Instagram: @buxtonfringe
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