A thriving Edinburgh Fringe requires stronger alliances – this week in Your Views

A thriving Edinburgh Fringe requires stronger alliances

In response to Richard Jordan’s recent online column there should be an effort to ensure that visitors respect the city. The liveliness and enthusiasm are a joy, but the carelessness and litter are grim, even though there wasn’t a bin strike this year. And what do we do for the homeless?

I spoke to a local student at Edinburgh University who just stayed indoors and away from the events. I was surprised, but she assured me that this is the local reaction to the fringe. And her local cafe is Summerhall, one of the venues, but she was a no-show throughout the fringe. The producers and power brokers ought to sit down with the city’s leaders and address the issues, beginning with the litter.
Robert Penman
Via thestage.co.uk

I am delighted to learn of the recent development of the Fringe Alliance. The Edinburgh Fringe is too important to the arts in the UK to risk its decline. The daring and innovation that fringe participants bring during those three heady weeks for the benefit of us all need protection. Mazel tov, Fringe Alliance!
Miriam Margolyes
Via thestage.co.uk

High ticket prices will cost theatre a good deal more

On Broadway, high ticket prices have negatively impacted productions and as a result shows have closed because they are far below breaking even. This is due to many factors. US audiences always looked to London’s ‘cheaper’ seats happily.

The debate about the rising price of West End tickets is negative news indeed. And the theatre costs have not prompted non-profit organisations to lower the salaries of artistic directors, in spite of themselves. They maintain their salaries while the theatres have curtailed their seasons. This has prompted many to cry out: “Enough is enough.”
Carole Di Tosti
Via thestage.co.uk

It is a red line for me that there are no concessions for over-60s at London’s Donmar Warehouse. It hits frequent theatregoers hardest – we just can’t go. And for that, no cast listing either. I am amazed that actors, directors and backstage staff are not protesting. Scannable cast lists are so important.
Laurel Brake
Via thestage.co.uk

About-turn on competition age limit is most welcome

In response to the Royal Court’s U-turn on the age restriction on its playwriting competition, it is time for these entirely arbitrary age restrictions to stop. Inclusivity must include age. Bravo, Royal Court.
Barb Jungr
Via thestage.co.uk

Let’s hear it for forgotten musicals – literally

I was delighted to read David Benedict’s very interesting article about the possibility of staging concert versions of “forgotten musicals”. I think it is an absolutely brilliant idea and could dust off and revitalise some wonderful, forgotten and neglected masterpieces.

It is, of course, not cheap, but with a bit of inventive thinking I am sure there must be ways of doing it. Perhaps with the involvement of some theatre schools and music colleges? There is a rich seam to be tapped, and I very much hope someone will step up and have a go.
Rosalyn Wilder
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