For return acts and newcomers alike, the month-long mental endurance test of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe can be multi-faceted. Comedy production company Objectively Funny recognises this and has collaborated to produce its third edition of its mental health support book, updated with information for support in 2024.
The book, which will be distributed for free to people who work at the Fringe, was first created in 2019 with around 2,500 copies handed out that year to flyerers, technicians, venue staff, performers, directors, and anyone else who looked like they might be interested.
A second edition of the book was produced in 2022, when the Fringe returned after the pandemic. 2023 saw a fallow summer in which the company didn’t produce any work at the Fringe – which they attribute to taking their own advice and putting their wellbeing first – and now the book makes a return for 2024. It contains compiled insight on mental health first aid and from Scottish mental health charities plus support available from the festival and its partners. The new version also includes writing from comedians and performers Lorna Rose Treen, James Rowland and Kiran Saggu. This edition has so far been self-funded, but the company is seeking support from the comedy community with the project with a crowdfunding campaign.
Contributor Lorna Rose Treen has said of the importance of the book, “I don’t think the ’sad clown’ approach to a comedian’s life is natural or positive. I think it comes from a misunderstanding of mental health. I think if you’re going to make a career out of making people laugh and have fun, you should also be having a nice time yourself – you matter. I have anxiety, but when I sleep well, eat well and spend time alone, I feel more stabilised and able to let loose and have a good time on stage. At Edinburgh Fringe, when I’m going home early or not drinking, I remind myself I want to be in this career for a long time, and a good time. I’m not here to burn out. This book is a vital reminder to look after yourself and others at the Fringe, to encourage behaviour that might be easy at home but is even more important at the world’s biggest arts festival.”
Martin Willis has said of the new campaign, “Objectively Funny is really proud of our work as a mental health champion at the Fringe. A lot has changed in the five years since we produced the first version of this book, but the need is no less pressing. Many people have become more aware of their own mental health over the course of this time, with the pandemic bringing a changing landscape addressing wellbeing, but the Edinburgh Fringe is a place of unique and extreme challenges beyond our daily life. In a small survey we did in 2019, 89% experienced of comedians had experienced poor mental health at the fringe, but nearly a third hadn’t accessed support.”
“This book is here to support anyone that is bringing their skills and efforts to prop up the biggest and best festival in the world. Not just performers, but flyerers, technicians, venue staff, even (god forbid) a reviewer or two if they need it. Without external funding this year, we are looking to the industry to help us provide that support.”
Artists can also access one-on-one sessions with support workers at Fringe Central, where they can talk through whatever might be affecting their mental wellbeing.
The sessions, run with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society are available at Fringe Central between 10am and 5pm from now until August 26. Any artist working at the Fringe can book a session by emailing fringe@health-in-mind.org.uk or calling 0777 659 4315.
For those at the Fringe who are not performing artists, Health in Mind is also launching a new digital portal, called Thriving at the Festivals, with advice and resources.
Tips from other comedians at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Dan Wye, whose show Dan Wye Am I Sam Smith? runs from Wednesday 31st July to Sun 25th August (not 11th and 18th) at 9.55pm in Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 1, says “There are a few things you can do during the fringe to keep you sane. Firstly get a membership to a fancy gym that has a nice pool with a sauna/steam room, it maybe a little expensive but it's so worth it. Swimming and then steaming my voice in a steam room everyday makes me feel glamorous and zen, also no one can tell you're crying when you're wet and you can scream under water. Try go to the fringe with no expectations, that's the biggest curse, just remember at the core of it you are there to make people laugh and to have a good time, that's why we are in the mean old profession that is comedy.”
Schalk Bezuidenhout, who brings Crowd Pleaser to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, performing at 5:30pm at the Pleasance Dome Ace Dome from31st July to 25th Aug, says “Look, performing at the Fringe is tough. People make the mistake of thinking physically doing a show every day for a month is the hard part. I mean, you're ‘working' for an hour a day! What a pleasure! But the mental aspect of performing for a month every day, that's the tough part! Because that's 24/7! From the moment you wake up you are thinking of how the show is going, if it's good enough, maybe a bad review. Or even your partner being upset that they're picking up dog s*** and cleaning the house alone while you're living the thespian dream!”
“My tips include taking a bus to Leith and go jump in the sea on a nice day. Do a tour of the castle. Go watch a movie or even a rugby game dammit! Just get away from the shows! And sleep (that's all). Good luck everyone. May we all leave Edinburgh mentally stronger than when we got there!”
Newcomer Nerine Skinner, whose debut hour The Exorcism of Liz Truss runs at Just The Tonic, The Caves at 2:40pm 1 – 25 Aug (not 12) says: “I’ve been given great advice on how to survive the fringe as part of the Edinburgh Soho Theatre Labs course. We’ve been prepped with ways to handle the experience. An act who comes from Edinburgh, Mirren Wilson (Pals The Play) sent us a list of free things to do that have nothing to do with the fringe. From the Botanical Gardens to The National Museum, or going to the beach. It’s a great reminder to escape if needed and to rest. But also, to find a group of people who you can lean on and to be there for them just as much.”
Chelsea Birkby, whose show This Is Life, Cheeky Cheeky, runs at Just The Tonic – Just Out of the Box from August 1- 25 (not 12) at 9.20pm says: “There’s not a corner of Cowgate I’ve not cried in! Staying level at the biggest approval festival in the world is tricky, especially if you have a blow-up mattress that deflates by dawn. But, I’m figuring it out. First, if you take medication, get your full prescription before you set off!!! Second, remember there’s a whole world beyond the fringe full of important things like work/life balance, your family and the rest of your clothes. Try nature walks with friends – I hear Edinburgh has a nice hill or something? Finally, seeing shows fills my cup. And, if all else fails: a pack of tissues, waterproof eyeliner and giant sunglasses. Good luck, take care!”
Michael Kunze, whose show Infinity Mirror runs at Underbelly Cowgate – Delhi Belly from 1 – 25 Aug (not 12) at 12:55 pm, says: “Fringe is exhausting, and challenging even for the most mentally sound people. Some days will be great, some will be tough. My boring advice: go for walks around Arthur’s Seat. Eat well. Bring a tupperware and make your own meals. Include vegetables. Avoid food trucks. Sleep. Take naps. Drink less. Say no to that late night show. Practice gratitude. Don’t deny your feelings. I struggle with jealousy and uselessly comparing myself to others and chatting about it with friends helps. It’s easy to feel lonely at Fringe so having people you love around is crucial. Be kind to yourself.”
Free print copies of Objectively Funny's 2024 Small Book on Mental Health are being distributed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the book can also be read here: https://www.objectivelyfunny.com/_files/ugd/52599f_59bcfb6bc71043dfa38f3e5ad63acb0b.pdf
