My Edinburgh: Ruby Wax, comedian
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Your support makes all the difference.Judith Owen and I have been performing in psychiatric hospitals for the past two years, which is not all that different from the Fringe. I have been to the Fringe twice before – once before my career took off and once about three years ago. The first thing I performed in was here in Edinburgh. It was a show directed by Alan Rickman and we had to go out and put up our own posters, because everyone else forgot. The producer had also forgotten to book the theatre, but the show went ahead anyway.
My most memorable moment was being in a tent with Michael Grade, who was then the head of Channel Four. We were getting ready for an interview which was to follow an African band who had got everybody on their feet. As it was three o'clock in the morning and we knew I was about to get booed off the stage, we started drinking a bottle of vodka. I just went on stage and started interviewing Michael. I can't remember what I said but I think it was fairly obscene. As soon as it was over they said I had a TV series. That's what great about Edinburgh; you never know what's going to happen.
There are so many shows worth seeing but one of my favourite spots is the Underbelly Abattoir members' bar, in Bristo Square. There's also some pretty interesting music downstairs at the restaurant and arts venue Henderson's. As for a top tip for surviving the Fringe - get up and leave if you think a show is crap – but don't let the actors see you. Always wear an invisibility cloak.
'Ruby Wax: Losing It', Udderbelly's Pasture (0131 623 3030) to 29 August
Ruby Wax's must-see
'Frisky and Mannish: Pop Centre Plus' at Udderbelly's Pasture is absolutely fantastic. I also really enjoyed Look Left Look Right's 'You Once Said Yes', an interactive theatre experience that has you walking around the city.
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