New writing from Rose Miller, this Scotland-set crime drama, woven with a ghost story, shared an audience with attractions in Edinburgh which delve into the 'haunted' city's history and its fascination with literature and crime drama. This inspired opportunities for cross-marketing with local tour guides, a window display in Applejack's alternative clothing store on South Bridge, and a collaborative video production (with Argosy Arts) 'Top Five Edinburgh Fringe Venues' (which included Criminology 303's Venue 13). Scottish Woman Magazine published 'The Five Most Haunted Venues at Edinburgh Festival Fringe' on their newly launched website ahead of the festival.
In the first week of the show's run, an atmospheric photo call at Advocate's Wynd caught the attention, and imagination, of those passing by on the busy Royal Mile. A light-hearted press release mid-festival, aimed at Fringe diaries, aimed to intrigue readers and perpetuate the idea of Venue 13 as a haunted venue. Sharing of company-produced multimedia, including publicity photos, video interviews and a show trailer, ensured varied and sustained communication on social media.
Experienced drama practitioners Jilly Bond (National Theatre, BBC Radio 4, award-winning audio-books), and Julian Gartside ('Casualty', 'Morse') made a return to the Fringe after 30 years, a personal narrative which proved a point of intrigue for both press and audiences. Jilly's appearance on Fringe Central panel 'Acting: In conversation with...' imparted additional weight to interview offers and raised the profile of the show among fellow participants. With many connections from Drama Studio London, the company was able to seek opportunities to partner with fellow graduates of the school, for cross-flyering, social media support and a combined press release.
Two strong early reviews from The List Magazine (4 stars) and Fringe Review (Highly Recommended Show), combined with enthusiastic audience responses and atmospheric, targeted marketing, ensured the show maintained a strong presence throughout the festival.
Performed by Jilly Bond and Julian Gartside
Written by Rose Miller
Directed by Tommo Fowler
Production Management by Jilly Bond
Venue management, lighting and sound by The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama