Georgie Grier's Fringe fortunes reversed, thanks to Dara O Brian and Jason Manford

Writer and actor Georgie Grier has gone from one audience member to a full house, thanks to the backing of the lines of Jason Manford and Dara O Briain.

After just one punter showed up for her first Edinburgh Fringe preview , Grier posted a tearful photo on Twitter – and her plight struck a chord with actors and comedians who have gone on to better things.

Her post received more than 5.4 million views, and today’s performance  of Sunsets at Gilded Balloon’s Patter Hoose sold out.

She said: ‘What a wild start to my Fringe experience. From one audience member yesterday to a personalised video from Jason Manford, thousands of supportive messages on social media and seeing more faces in the audience today; it’s been a whirlwind 24 hours.

‘When I posted, I was hoping for a few messages of support or advice from fellow Fringe acts, however I had no idea how much it would resonate with people. The Edinburgh Fringe really is a marathon, not a sprint, and I know there have been lots of people in similar positions.’

‘There are ups and downs every day (every hour) at the Fringe but ultimately I know I’m lucky to be performing here. The reaction and support from everybody including my family, friends, the staff at my venue, Gilded Balloon, people online and other performers has lifted my spirits, but I know there are still no guarantees.

‘There’s a huge amount of talented people performing incredible shows at this festival and I hope audiences are able to support plenty of acts this month.’

Among those showing their support following her initial tweet was  Ó Briain, who posted: "We’ve ALL done it. Soon, you’ll dine out on this anecdote. More than once I had to buy my audience a drink, as a thank you for being the only ones there.

‘Best thing though, it’s all stage time, and the show will get better every single time, ready for the big crowds later!’

And in a video message, Manford told Grier: "It’s absolutely normal … for one person to rock up to your show, especially at the beginning of Edinburgh, and also for you to be a bit upset or annoyed or pissed off about it. That’s totally fine as well.

"I did Edinburgh in 2004-5… the first couple of shows it was such a slog and I was out in the rain and I was flyering and people weren’t coming.’

There was one person in my audience today when I performed my one woman play, ‘Sunsets’ at #edfringe. It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s fine…? pic.twitter.com/D0lfAsMMz0

— Georgie Grier (@georgie_grier) August 3, 2023

Playing to an audience of one is not unusual at the Fringe. Last year, stand-up Robin Grainger made headlines worldwide when just one punter bought a ticket for his stand-up show – and at one show from American performer and filmmaker JD Shapiro, the entire audience comprised  Chortle critic Steve Bennett. (He got a three-and-a-half star review)

Karen Koren, artistic director of the Gilded Balloon – pictured above with Grier – said: ‘I was so pleased to see a full house for Sunsets at our Patter Hoose venue today. So many famous performers have been in Georgie’s position before, especially at the very beginning of the Festival, and they have reached out to support her now.

‘The Edinburgh Fringe has a wonderful spirit of community and it was heartwarming to see everybody rally around Georgie online, and then by turning up for her show today. We really hope audiences will come out to support acts this August.’

Published: 4 Aug 2023