There are much better ways to relieve stress, says Alex Stringer

I think we can all agree that comedians are mental, right? Like, telling jokes to strangers for validation and/or money is a weird thing to enjoy. Possibly a mental flaw all us stand-ups share. 

Comedians have spent the last decade discussing their mental health in their Edinburgh shows, but when the pressure is so great during the Fringe, what can they do to help themselves make it to the finish line? 

I’m a sober comedian doing my debut hour this year. I think being sober adds a lot to the Fringe experience – and this is coming from someone who has also done the drunk mess/hungover flyering/trips to A&E Fringe experience. Those times left me with crippling anxiety, even more debt and annoyed parents who had to come and Pick Me Up in Edinburgh because I couldn’t get the train on crutches. Sorry mum and dad, but look at me now! I’m in Chortle! 

Since getting sober, I’ve found that my experience of the Fringe has only improved. I have so much more time to see shows without stressing about where to get a drink before or after. I don’t have to worry about networking when I’ve had a few too many and cringing the next day about any potential faux-pas. The place I’ve seen described as ‘Disney for adults’ remains that, but even more so! I actually have memories, can see shows – and get to stay out late and have a dance in CC Blooms if I want to (sober dancing takes a bit to get used to, just fyi) 

I know lots of comedians who couldn’t fathom giving up alcohol full stop — let alone during possibly the most stressful month of their life. But there are some who have done it, and are doing it for the first time this year. 

I spoke to comic and fellow debutant Chris Griffin about his experience. He said: 'Having spent 13 years involved in the Edinburgh Fringe as a mixture of a comedian, venue manager, and promoter, I can confidently say that comedians need alcohol like audience members need cocaine. 

‘If you’re one of the many acts that "need" a drink to calm the nerves, use this month to learn how to deal with the nerves a different way. It’s doable. I say this as someone who drank six pints and two Sambucas before my first ever gig. It took two years and five changes of email addresses to get booked back in. 

‘It’s a long month and it will test any comedian’s mental health – which let’s be honest, as a comedian is not tip-top in the first place. So instead of spending £9 on a warm, flat pint with a dash of nano plastics, get yourself a salad, touch some grass, and speak to your therapist.’

I’m not suggesting to comedians that sobriety is a cure-all, by the way (your personality still might stink). Going cold turkey during the Fringe, especially if you’re physically dependent, is also definitely not something I would recommend. If you are, though, enough stand-ups are medical professionals by day and I’m sure they would be happy to help!

As comedians, there are lots of things at our disposal during Fringe that we can utilise more. For example, last year, I saw the arrival of a Gossip Girl-like character follow me on Instagram. Their name is ‘Fringe Mum’ and they share wonderful things only your mum would say to you during Fringe. Stuff like ‘they wouldn’t know a five-star if it smacked them in the face.’

I’m a big fan of this cheerleading, and have applauded the person doing it. Among the reviews and ‘competition"' it was a breath of fresh air. And it wasn’t just uplifting messages — Fringe Mum offered ten free therapy sessions to anyone who asked for one during the Fringe, which is pretty major.

 August is historically known as an alcohol-fuelled month for lots of comedy people at Fringe, so among the benders folks were on, I saw this page as such a tonic (minus the gin). I do not know who this Fairy Godmother of comedy is, but whoever you are, I salute you! Please know this will have helped people immeasurably. 

Here are some of my top tips to stay sane at the Fringe: 

• Go for a walk (show to show does not count, sorry loveys!). 
• Climb Arthur’s Seat. I once did this drunk, and called it Arthur’s High Chair ever since. Wouldn’t recommend! 
• Drink water. know, it’s boring, but coffee, red bull, and beer for a full month won’t cut it. 
• See friends, and try not to talk about the Fringe. Call each other out on it if you do! 
• Go to the seaside for the day, and pretend you’re in Sweeney Todd (niche reference).
• Don’t stay out until 3am every night on the Cowgate. ‘Until the cows come home,’ is just a saying, not a promise. 
• Special tip from fellow comedian and Fringe darling Rachel Fairburn: 'Do your show and fuck off back home. Have a bath and watch telly.’ 

There’s just one final thing I want to say now (and ‘drunk me’ hated sentimentality, but here goes). You know that saying, ‘a dog isn’t just for Christmas? Well, comedians ‘aren’t just for Fringe.’ If you are a performer,  hopefully, you’ll still be doing comedy after August, so be kind to your mind, and be kind to your body (especially your liver). You may find you enjoy being sober on stage, and off,  more than you’d think.

• Alex Stringer: Happy Hour is on at Pleasance Courtyard  at 6pm.

Published: 10 Aug 2025