Almost 90 per cent of performers report issues at the festival

Comedy production company Objectively Funny are publishing a new edition of their Small Book On Mental Health for this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.

The book, which will be distributed for free to people who work at the festival, was first created in 2019 with around 2,500 copies were handed out that year to flyerers, technicians, venue staff, performers, directors, and others.

A second edition of the book was produced in 2022, when the Fringe returned after the pandemic. A similar number of copies were distributed, and Martin Willis, the founder of Objectively Funny, being named ‘best person’ at the Comedians’ Choice Awards.

The book will be making a return this year with new contributions from comics Lorna Rose Treen, James Rowland and Kiran Saggu  as well as contributions from Scottish mental health charities.

Treen, pictured, said: ‘I don’t think the ’sad clown’ approach to a comedian’s life is natural or positive. I think it comes from a misunderstanding of mental health. I think if you’re going to make a career out of making people laugh and have fun, you should also be having a ​nice time yourself - you matter.

‘I have anxiety, but when I sleep well, eat well and spend time alone, I feel more stabilised and able to let loose and have a good time on stage. At Edinburgh Fringe, when I’m going home early or not drinking, I remind myself I want to be in this career for a long time, and a good time. I’m not here to burn out.

‘This book is a vital reminder to look after yourself and others at the Fringe, to encourage behaviour that might be easy at home but is even more important at the world’s biggest arts festival.'

Willis added: ‘A lot has changed in the five years since we produced the first version of this book, but the need is no less pressing. Many people have become more aware of their own mental health over this time… but the Edinburgh Fringe is a place of unique and extreme challenges beyond our daily life. In a small survey we did in 2019, 89 per cent of comedians had experienced poor mental health at the fringe, but nearly a third hadn’t accessed support.

‘This book is here to support anyone that is bringing their skills and efforts to prop up the biggest and best festival in the world. Not just performers, but flyerers, technicians, venue staff, even (god forbid) a reviewer or two if they need it. Without external funding this year, we are looking to the industry to help us provide that support.’

Copies will be handed out directly during the Fringe, with others left at venues so people can pick them up.

Willis has also launched a crowdfunding campaign to finance the publication and distribution of the guide, here.

Published: 15 Jul 2024