Going True to the Fringe

Eddie Louise Clark

Seven years before we would decide to immigrate to Scotland, my husband Chip and I, had successfully put together a company, written a play, raised the funds and done what thousands had done before us - brought our dreams to the Fringe.

Our play was about Mary, Queen of Scots and the majority of our budget was spent on thoroughly authentic costumes. Each gown and doublet was a confection of velvet, lawn, precious metal trims and pounds and pounds of semi-precious beads. We were corseted, hoop skirted, petticoated, caped, and capped to high renaissance perfection. This left no money for advertising, so Chip had decreed that we would spend all day, every day in our costumes - these beautiful clothes that we had created would be our advertising. This had two distinct benefits - highly visible marketing and the freeing up of space in personal suitcases for transporting necessary theatrical accoutrements. ... (continues)