The Edinburgh Fringe Festival
- Rebecca Rudd
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
As the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has come to a close, I can't stop thinking about the next one!
For as long as I can remember, it has been my dream to attend The Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I never once imagined that I'd ever get to go (due to the simple logistics of travel costs and sourcing accommodation etc) let alone perform in an actual Fringe show. But now that I have done both, I can't believe it in all honesty! It feels like the most wonderful dream. And like a child after Christmas, I'm sad that it's over but I'm now looking forward to what The Edinburgh Fringe 2026 will bring...
So where do I begin? Well, it makes sense to start at the beginning I suppose!
I guess I chose to live in Edinburgh for a myriad of reasons: job prospects; new beginnings and relationships; the history and culture; and finally, the arts. And I must say when it comes to the arts (whether that be theatre, poetry, music, comedy, you name it-it's here!) it excels beyond belief. There is an abundance of opportunity around every cobblestone corner that it's impossible to not to get involved! There are so many talented, passionate and inclusive artists that are keen to share their work and experiences with you. And not only do they want to share with you, but they will provide a platform for you too! Since I've been here, I've found the most wonderful theatre clubs, performance poetry communities and writing clubs. It's people doing what they love and that inspires!
For two weeks at the start of the festival, I got the opportunity to perform in a show (put on by a theatre group that I am apart of). This was an incredible experience for me; I think being in a show with an awesome group of people is always a real, wonderful bonding experience! You get to to learn from others, hear their stories, get outside your comfort zone, work together to produce something amazing and all in all, just have the best time!
I love acting and, although I sometimes get a little nervous, once you put yourself out there, you realise that there are many many people that will give you the encouragement you need and it's amazing how quickly your confidence grows when you surround yourself with positive, inspiring people! Being apart of something and being part of a community is such a powerful, uplifting thing.
After the experience of performing, I then had some time in between and after to attend some of the other shows taking place around the city. And to be honest, I am a truly changed human being. I know this sounds exaggerated and maybe a tad dramatic but it's the truth! And this is why I love the arts. This is why I love theatre. This is why I love the world of imagination and performance. It's an invigorating world of storytelling, meaning, emotion... Its capacity to hold a mirror up to ourselves and make us see those things we've forgotten or missed are suddenly realised in that moment and it's truly transformational!
Over the past few weeks, I've watched performers and performances that have had a range of different effects upon me. They have: enabled me see the world differently; reaffirmed some of my own beliefs; strengthened my own sense of identity and character; and finally, completely inspired me! Seeing people express themselves fully, authentically and freely, is and will always be the most important thing in life; It's an energising and empowering experience, that should continue to be prioritised, normalised and celebrated. And that is what the The Edinburgh Fringe Festival does: it creates all these amazing platforms for people to rightfully take up space and own their own stories and experiences. What is more amazing than that?
So what will I take away from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025? What have I learnt?
Well, the following:
to keep stepping outside of my comfort zone, as the more I step out, the less scary things are!
to keep listening and learning from others;
to reclaim my body (my body: my rules);
to follow my own path;
and finally, to be authentically me.
So thank you Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2025 ~ you've been truly wonderful! xxx
