Things I learned from the Edinburgh Fringe

No longer a novice, this years list is as follows:

· That the Fringe brings on Stendahl’s Syndrome even more than Florence.

· That layers are essential clothing in the summer that we’re having, and the pashmina and comfy shoes remain an essential part of a Fringe wardrobe

· The Pleasance Courtyard is the best place for celeb spotting – I clocked a Kaiser Chief (the one who talks, but isn’t Ricky), Jenny Éclair, and Mark Watson

· People will always oversell their shows. I was warned at the box office that Love Labour’s Won contained mild language and nudity. The nudity was unnecessary, and the language very mild for someone who’d seen Simon Amstell

· A bit of BBC promo works wonders. My choices were guided by last week’s Edinburgh Show on BBC2. I saw 3 shows that had been featured. Dai, Idiots of Ants and Phill Jupitus reads Dickens

· Not to be afraid of long sentences. It was good enough for Dickens so it’s good enough for me.

· The rain drives the flier-ers inside, and means there is a lack of cute guys around

· That its difficult to achieve consensus on what to see with 4 people, especially if I’m one of them

· That fliers made like fans are very useful in a hot venue

· That no matter how many shows, there will always be time for shopping

· That it’s pointless joining a long ticket queue when some venues provide free internet access and you can book on line, and just pick up your tickets at the venue. Sadly, I discovered this too late for it to be very effective.

· That staying on the Royal Mile is an excellent idea, as you’re in the heart of everything