Ruby Carr on the best and worst of the Fringe

Ruby Carr is back at Edinburgh Fringe with her show Bite Me, on at Hoots @ Nicolson Square at 3.50pm. Here she talks about what he can't get enough of at the festival; recalls her most embarrassing Edinburgh experience and complains about the worst thing about the Fringe (apart from the cost of accommodation, obviously).

Edinburgh Binge

I love going to see my friends' shows and seeing them excel in gorgeous, full rooms, knowing that we have been texting, voice noting and crying into each other's arms since January. 

The process of making a show is wild, full of ups and downs. Experimenting at every preview with varying success, and filling in the group chat at every turn. Finding exactly what you want a show to be is difficult when you have to try out the new stuff in front of an audience (fingers crossed they like it). 

So when the Fringe starts and I get to sit in on my friends’ show, knowing the hard work they put in and see them be hilarious, I feel so happy for them! I then also get to stand near the venue when everyone is leaving, and be like ‘I know them’, ‘they’re my real life friend’, ‘I’ve been to their birthday party’ - that, I love that.

Edinburgh Cringe 

I remember one time I was watching a show that finished late in Grassmarket, and when I came out my next show to watch was in Pleasance Courtyard and I REALLY hate walking in late and having everyone glare at me. 

So I ran through Cowgate as fast as I could, dodging flyerers, tourists, and delivery vans. Getting to Courtyard in record time, pushing to the venue through the huge crowds and some friends, but I had a show I needed to get to, so I kept going. 

I throw myself at the front of house member, out of breath, ‘I’M HERE FOR THE SHOW’, they go OK, and let me in. Turns out, I wasn’t late. This show was also starting late, and I was actually one of the first people in, and all the people I pushed past were all actually queuing for the show, and the group of friends I ignored, also audience. Now that is what I call a room full of people glaring at you.

Edinburgh Whinge

Before every show I need to go for a wee because I don’t want to disturb the show by needing to leave for a wee mid-show. But I also have to take a glass of water into each show, because the rooms are boiling and I need it to cool down, so I then drink the water during the show, but now I’ve drunk a full pint of water and I, you’ll never guess, need a wee. 

Is this something the festival can change? No. I am just an anxious person who can not for the life of me get the hydration/urination balance right? Yeah. And I would like no one to be mad at me if I need to leave a show because the room is too warm and I drank a gallon of water thinking it would help. SUE ME. (Please don’t, I’m stressed)

Published: 11 Aug 2026