Though 'AndOn Theatre is coming up to its third birthday, last year was our first at taking on the whirlwind that is Edinburgh in August. Ray and I promised to go with an open mind, a listening ear, a sense of fun and a keenness to learn. And we certainly took away our fill in Fringe knowledge (and fun, too). 

Of all of these, though, one of the most important things was to know what we wanted, and to focus on that goal. Some will go wanting 5 star reviews, packed houses, an international tour, their big break in the industry... dozens of other things, I'm sure. Believe me, if a young company like us try and tackle even a few of those at once, you mustn't be surprised if you go home with your boxes un-ticked.

Within the industry in general, you come across so many 'fledgling' companies that it would be impossible to see even half excel to the likes of DV8 or Complicite. But I wouldn't want that, even if it were possible. Even if we were one of them. 

Don't you think it's great that each August sees hundreds of newly formed ensembles bravely try out something new to the Scotsman critic who has already sat through 4 shows that afternoon? Isn't it wonderful to watch a young company return the following year with a second attempt, be that an anticipated follow-up or a second stab at critical acclaim? That's what theatre and performance are all about, right?

Well, not to most. For far too many, theatrical success is a packed out 600seater, a glowing spiel from the Guardian and a tour extension 'due to popular demand'. It isn't about the family of four who bravely stayed in their seats when they realized they would be the only audience that day, yet walked away with a rare smile on their face and the feeling that they had been privy to an experience tailored just for them. That would be a failure (even by fringe theatre standards) apparently. 

Well, I have no idea whether Fairly Tales will impress the critic from the Scotsman, or indeed the lonely family of four, but I know that we're going to spend the best part of a month working as hard as we can towards our goal. And if we can give a few children the inspiration to pick up their felt tips, or take out their notebooks, and go hunting for those stories that are yet to be told, we'll be well on our way to achieving it. 

So, whilst we join the thousand-strong collection of artistic expression relocating to Scotland this summer, and whilst we would love our little 50seater buzzing before each show, I know that's not why I'm there. Nor is it why all those other new companies should be. It's to play your part. To tell your stories. To bring them to life.


Fairly Tales is performing from 6th-27th August (not 16th) in the Pleasance Courtyard at 11.30am. Tickets are available here.

First off, I must apologise. When I looked at the last blog and saw it was in October, I was outright embarrassed! Of course, all that really means is: there's plenty to catch up on now.

So, since October(!), we've done quite a bit. The end of 2013 brought about the 'first draft', as it were, of GAME. This, our 'difficult second album', was scratched at the Redbridge Drama centre in mid January. 'And it certainly gave us its fair share of problems. 
You see, we had little more than a concept when we stepped into a large empty room, and were (so to speak) expected to walk from it two weeks later with a somewhat finished piece of theatre. Add to that the continual pressures of 'will it be, like... Bits & Box 2?' and we were really feeling the strain. 
Things got worse at the midpoint, when we realised a week of devising had offered us next to nothing, and the ever-well-timed Christmas plonked itself down before us. Needless to say, our 'flow' got lost somewhere amidst wrapping paper and turkey, and general merriment fought for our attention until we found ourselves in a brand new year, with an ever-looming deadline.
Week two was rushed, panicked and stressful, and yet productive, creative and thoroughly enjoyable in equal measure, and January 16th came around all to quickly. GAME. was performed to two super audiences, and we came away with an armful of feedback for further development. Thanks to everyone who came, and everyone at RDC for their endless support.

But onwards and upwards, as the saying goes, and we very quickly needed to think about our summer plans. To festival or not to festival? Well, we could hardly turn down a summer chock-full of fun and frolics, could we, eh? So we're doing four. As you do.

First up is Brighton, where we were lucky enough to secure the wonderful Marlborough Theatre for four performances of Bits & Box. It'll be our very first time at the Brighton Fringe, but we can't wait to get down there and see what it's all about. So that's May.

June brings us Labyrinth. RDC's kicking off an incredibly exciting festival this year, and we're so privileged to be asked to perform the world premiere of GAME. in its entirety. This 10 day festival will be jam-packed with theatre and performance from an amazing range of very talented companies. 

'And then we hit July. Our mentorship with Creative Youth makes us official Artists in Residence at this year's International Youth Arts Festival (IYAF) in Kingston. We'll be presenting them with GAME. this year, as well as soaking up as much theatre as we can. Kingston is transformed in July to the most vibrant of towns. The atmosphere is completely infectious, and we'll be getting stuck in!

The summer ends with the long road to Scotland, and the Edinburgh Fringe. We were bowled over by responses from venues across the city, and completely delighted to accept our August home in The Pleasance Courtyard. We'll be setting up camp in The Beside for a little under three weeks, and enjoying 'AndOn's very first Fringe experience. Let's hope Bits & Box can pulls in the crowds!

So there we have it. 

It's quite exhausting just thinking about it all. That said, we're both so excited for what Summer 2014 has to offer, so blessed to be doing what we love, and so honoured to be doing it surrounded by such amazing creative people. 


Roll on Summer!