English B2 FCE

If you are interested in the arts, Edinburgh in August is the place (0) TO be. Apart from the main International Festival, (1) ............ is what is called ‘The Fringe’, offering 2,700 different shows in over 270 venues throughout the city, many of (2) ............ are free. Visitors are often surprised (3) ............ the range of shows on offer. This included comedy, cutting-edge theatre, dance, children’s shows and music. As there is no selection committee, (4) ............ kind of event is possible and the quality varies. While many high-profile performers take part, the vast majority (5) ............ a mixture of unknown professionals, actors and students, who use the festival as a way of bringing their talents (6) ............ an audience for the first time. Indeed, many well-known comics first appeared there (7) ............ student productions. In recent years many new audiences have been drawn almost exclusively to stand-up comics and some regular visitors are disappointed (8) ............ this trend. However, as comedy is very much fashion, they will have to get used to it.