EDINBURGH 2018: 'Friendliest Staff' Venue The Pleasance On This Years Festival

BWW catches up with Anthony Alderson from The Pleasance to chat about the 2018 Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

So how did it feel to win 'friendliest staff' in the BroadwayWorld awards?

I am grateful and extremely proud that the staff at the Pleasance have been recognised for their friendliness and kindness. This is a festival and we want to make sure people have the very best experience.

Why do you think the Pleasance won?

The Pleasance has developed a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most welcoming venues on the festival. Everybody goes out of their way to make people feel welcome and comfortable. It's a way of life.

What are the highlights of your programming this year?

There is literally something for everyone: from outstanding drama in productions like Revenants, Ken and Freeman to brilliant comedy with legends like Reginald D Hunter and Nick Mohammed's Mr Swallow and the Vanishing Elephant. They play alongside a huge number of comedy newcomers. Cirque Berserk is going to be a hit for families and Silence is a genuine spectacle outside the EICC.

How important is it to have a solid team of staff?

The festival is all about people - we look after 2,000 performers and production staff and a huge audience of up to 500,000 people over 25 days. The enjoyment of all these people comes down to the staff. They are handpicked for their positive outlook and their willingness to go the extra mile.

Do you have any tips for surviving the month of August in Edinburgh?

Don't try to go to every party, eat the odd vegetable and sleep occasionally. Most importantly keep cheerful, It's a festival!

What measures will you be taking this year to ensure you keep your crown?

Friendliness is written into almost all things Pleasance. We'll keep our crown through peace, love and understanding.

You can see the full Pleasance programme at https://www.pleasance.co.uk/via/search/edinburgh/tag/fringe

Photo credit: The Pleasance

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