2 weeks of sangria soaked Spanish sunshine with young Isaac Enbom was my last blog and now it was time to head back to the 2nd best city in the world... Edinburgh. Lucky for me I had week to recover from Spain before starting work with Underbelly (a fringe festival company). Recovery meant finally living with the unbelievably funny Anna Laurenson and the gas happy dreadlock bearded hilarious man that is Geoffrey Dawson. A couple of largeish nights (some as bananas) were definetly in order to enjoy our new flat, annoy new neighbours and laugh about good times through Europe.
Banana time! Extremely fun to wear a banana suit out on the town in Edinburgh!
And then..... it was time to stop the flow of money from the bank account and at last start some work with Underbelly. The first 2 days of work included heavy lifting, mopping, sweeping and multiple splinters in order to get the Underbelly building looking tip top for the Fringe Festival. Ohhh I forgot to mention, the first 2 days were unpaid as they were 'training days'. Pfft! Anyways it was good to get to know everyone and work out where each of the 7 venues were in this Labyrinth style building that sits below, on and above a bridge. I can't explain how confusing this place was but after a few days it was our new home for the next month.
The pay was ordinary... In the UK they have this thing called minimum wage and it is complete bullocks! £5.80 an hour ($10 aussie). But on the upside a 20% drinks discount on the bar and free entry to all Underbelly shows seemed to make up for the poor pay rate. I managed to get along to around 20 odd shows including Danny Bhoy, Jim Jeffries & a few other less known performers. I was also lucky enough to spend a great day off with my Aunty Joy and see a brilliant acapella group and the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo which was definetly worth seeing.
The Royal Mile during the Fringe Festival - soooooo busy!
Edinburgh Military Tattoo
More tattoo
The finale with fireworks!
Underbelly as a company is pretty damn cool. They obviosuly employ people with outgoing and energetic personalities that are always up for a good time. As a front of house member (usher) we had a reasonably cruisy job that got pretty crazy when things turned busy. Picture 7 venues across 3 levels each with shows going in every hour with hundreds of drunk punters ready for a fun night of comedy, cabaret, theatre and music. The front of house team was in one word.. AWESOME!.. Everyone was so nice and we all seemed to get on really well. So as you can imagine when you put a bunch of likeminded staff together it is somewhat hard to leave work without having a cheeky pint or three before finally heading home. It seems that whenever you finish something in Scotland (work, footy training, dinner or a pint) you must celebrate it with a pint or another pint!
The entrance to Underbelly... Busy, Busy and loud!
Moooooo!
Working hard outside Belly Laugh & White Belly (2 different venues upstairs)
Nick & myself enjoying a quiet drink post work
Tom & Lucy - Awesome people!
Underbelly crew
The final 'Spank'! Late night comedy!!
Edinburgh if you didn't know has about 1.6 million pubs. As the festival hits town they decide to stay open til 3am and the clubs til 5am. But... What to do after 5am? There is always the disgusting option of McDonalds or the walk home as the sun comes up..... OR, Scottish style..... Edinburgh has this pub called Penny Blacks that opens at 6am. Yes, no mistake it OPENS at 6am. And of course it is filled with drunk punters who think (at the time) is a great place to be seeing the sun rise with a cheeky pint of cider. Lets just say I only visited this place twice and had a great time but clearly paid for it the next day at work even if I was a touch late.
The month flew by, even though some of the hungover mornings seemed to last an enternity. I met an amazing bunch of people working in front of house, the bar, technicians, security, reception and have made friends that hopefully i will keep in touch with. The festival was topped off with a cracking staff party that included some funny awards, traditional scottish dancing (Celidh) and plenty of drinks and laughs.
Ted & Davie G - Champions!
Staff party!
Celidh dancing time!
Lots of fun!!! Lots of sweat!
So many stories, far too much alcohol, so little sleep yet so much fun I have considered coming back for another year at one of the the best festivals in the world.
Thankyou Underbellian people and thankyou Edinburgh Fringe Festival!
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