talkmagic.co.uk

by **IanKendall** » Aug 22nd, '12, 20:33

I think the numbers are a bit off. In 2006 there were about eight or nine shows (if I remember). In 2000, however, there were just two, me and Magic Bob. This year, I think Peter counted 47 shows with magic in them, over half of which were free shows.

It's five days since my last show, and I've been thinking a lot about why I've decided to leave the Fringe after 21 years. It's changed so much, and the playing field is so far from level, than I could not council anyone to take a first show up here now. Which is very sad.

by **chriscox** » Aug 23rd, '12, 12:36

Having done five fringe shows, all of which have made me a profit and some of which I've toured round the world, I would disagree with Ian. Of course each to their own and I respect his opinion but I think as long as the product is good enough then first show or not, anyone can stand out from the crowd. The regulars doing good business and shows now, started off by taking that risk of a first show, and although it might be tougher now, simply because it's tougher is not a good enough reason to not persue something you love. The playing field might not be overly level, yes it helps if you get in a good venue, but it's not impossible to get in a good venue and nor is it impossible to get an audience in one of the smaller venues. The joy of Edinburgh is coming and having a good time, even if you make no money (very likely) you will still get 28 hours of performance time under your belt, which on it's own is hugely valuable. I cringe when I look back at my first shows, but know I wouldn't be doing the stuff I was doing now, if I hadn't had that early performance time under my belt.

Of course if you're just going to do all the classics there's a strong chance people will have seen them before, so you have to deliver a unique and quality produce, especially because the number of magic acts has increased. In my first year there were maybe 5 magic shows at the most, the year after, Pete Firman, Ali Cook and Barry & Stuart all came up and the numbers of magic based shows have continued to grow. Those that do well are those which do something different to any other magic act on. Yes there is more competition, but look at the comedy scetion of the programme, there's hundreds and hundreds of comedy shows all battling against each other to get an audience, that doesn't stop anyone else from coming. The more good magic shows people see, the more likely they'll be to go see another one. It's quite simple. I saw three shows each do the linking wedding rings this year and although in essance they were the same trick, each felt different. There is a huge audience out there wanting to see good shows, so if you have one, then there is no reason why you should not come up and take that risk to do a show.

by **IanKendall** » Aug 23rd, '12, 16:40

"Having done five fringe shows, all of which have made me a profit and some of which I've toured round the world, I would disagree with Ian."

Over 21 years I have put on seventeen shows (the others were street years) all of which made money. There are, from this year, many different factors that will affect a first show.

The sad fact is that if you are not in a large venue (and very few first year shows get in on their own merits) and do not have a PR company pushing you, the Free Fringe now means that it is increasingly hard to fill your room. The cost of putting on a show has grown from ~600 pounds to several thousand, and I know of few early stage magicians who can take that kind of financial hit.

The problem is that there is so much choice. I know many comedy shows that play to an average of ten people; almost all of the comedians that I have met over the years have resigned themselves to losing a large amount of money. Most do. Most first timers certainly do.

There are other places, other smaller festivals where you can get the flight time. There is no doubt that doing a show twenty three times in a row will do wonders for your performance, but at what cost? Get your flight time in a smaller place and then, when you have a good product, take it up here and stand out. Or, pay thousands to a promoter and PR company and come up next year.

by **craigie** » Aug 23rd, '12, 18:15

Im glad my ambition stops at getting a gig at my local Masons. Jerry Sadowitz basically said that the 2 late night comedy shows he done were paying for the day time magic shows because there was not as much interest. It would be good to see some completely free nights for amatuers to get the experience.

by **IanKendall** » Aug 23rd, '12, 18:26

The Free Fringe is there, but that's another conversation entirely.

Twenty years ago the Fringe was a good place to learn your craft. Not so any more (which was my original point).