14 Problems Only Comedians Will Understand

8. August Is Always In Your Mind

For UK comedians, and an increasing amount of international ones (STOP COMING, THERE IS ENOUGH COMPETITION), the peak of their year, the season finale of their wretched lives, is the Edinburgh Fringe.

Held for a month every August, the Fringe is the comedian's grand exhibition, their market floor. They book their slot at a venue, perform every day and jostle for position amongst the growing throng of funnyfolk begging for titters and pennies. It's monstrously expensive and potentially hugely dispiriting if the reviews and attendance don't go your way, but it's one of the only things that comedians can agree is a necessary stage before 'making it'.

As soon as the Fringe finished, often before it's finished, it's time to start thinking about the next one, and so the cycle of fear and debt continues.