The Edinburgh Fringe will be open for show registrations from 5th May. It is hoped that the Scottish government will have announced details on their roadmap out of lockdown for summer before registration opens so information regarding the viability of venues will be available. Until then the fringe is in ‘planning mode’.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society will allow artists and venues to register Fringe shows right up until the end of the festival, which is set to run from 6th-31st August.
According to Edinburgh Fringe a “range of scenarios are being prepared for, from socially distanced live events to digital offerings” An online platform called Fringe Player has been launched which will broadcast shows to audiences unable to attend.
Shona McCarthy, chief executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “We’re delighted to be able to open registration for 2021. Of course, we’re still very much in planning mode as we await further updates from the Scottish Government, but this feels like a hugely positive step in the right direction.
“Through the work being created across the various digital platforms, including the Fringe Player, artists have a brilliant opportunity to reach audiences and communities all over the world. I look forward to seeing how our Fringe creatives use these platforms in 2021 and beyond.”
However until COVID Compliance guidelines are announced it is difficult for venues to plan, as Karen Koren, artistic director of the Gilded Balloon explained: “We are working with our performer and venue colleague networks to determine what will be possible.
“We know that social distancing at two metres will make it impossible to present shows so until we are allowed audiences distanced at 1 metres we are unable to confirm what’s possible.
“We are in constant communication with performers producers and agents, updating them as much as we can. We are determined to present a programme of live performances this summer in Edinburgh and will continue to work with artists and our venues colleagues to help inform the government and the Fringe Society of what will be possible with restrictions.”
Koren stressed the necessity that the shows do go on: “We believe it is essential that there is a live Fringe this year in Edinburgh in order to rebuild our business.”
The Pleasance venue’s Anthony Alderson said: “While we remain optimistic that the Pleasance can deliver some form of programme in Edinburgh this summer, it remains impossible to make any firm plans until we have the exact limitations on social distancing, capacity restrictions and Covid-19 regulations and therefore our programme must remain on hold until we have that clarity.
“While positivity is important and the situation appears to be progressing in the right direction, we don’t want to give false hope to artists or audiences.”
In recognition of the tough time the industry has had, the Fringe Society has reduced registration fees by 25% with refunds promised if shows have to be pulled before they go on sale.
