Published: Thursday, 22nd July, 2010 9:21am

Fringe festival on the horizon

by Kirsty Gibbins

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WITH less than three weeks to go before North Berwick's Fringe by the Sea festival kicks off, the only problem on the horizon seems to be making decisions on what gigs and performances to go to!

There are more than 50 ticketed events on offer - although some are already sold out - during the August 10-15 event and organisers are delighted at how the East Lothian public is showing its support so far.

John Shaw, organiser, said: "We listened carefully to the feedback from last year, so while keeping the emphasis on music, we have beefed up the children's programme considerably, added film offerings, and introduced theatre and dance performances.

"I'm looking forward in particular to the comedy stand-up evenings, Chloe Matharu, and the Ponydance Theatre Company from Ireland.'

For the younger audiences, The Singing Kettle visit North Berwick for the first time, Foolish Notion Theatre Company present 'Oor Rabbie', and Daniel Allison brings digeridoo, drums, flutes and Tibetan singing bowls to his storytelling slot.

For fellow organiser Jane Thomson it is the authors in-conversation sessions that hold most appeal.

She said: "We still can't quite believe that 'Mrs Doyle' (Pauline McLynn from Father Ted) is coming down especially to join us."

However, not everything featuring in the event is ticketed.

One free activity to enjoy is the 'Shop Art' event, involving artists and North Berwick traders all around the town in a collaboration which uses more than 17 premises as small galleries of work.

Check out the website for full details - www.fringebythesea.com - of all the acts on offer and where to buy tickets.