'Are we doing anything at the Fringe, then?' the husband wanted to know. It was vaguely combative which might be ascribed to my let's see what draws us in attitude. Husband has a diary and the croquet has been a bit neglected while all this arts stuff, visiting relatives and school hols goes on. Tickets, however, can be controlled.

I have a diary too. Maybe. There was a little grey book in my handbag...

The Roxy Art House is a converted church. GRV is a converted uni canteen. The Assembly Hall still has its day job. The Vault is just that and maybe the smallest venue I've been to, it's a bit like sitting in one garage under George iv Bridge watching a performance in the next door garage. Claustrophics' note: doors on either side. Suffering very mildly myself, I like to know. It's also perhaps the smelliest as there are several cafes and a restaurant in the immediate vicinity so delicious aromas swirl around the queue.

For many years, I scoured the 1300 or so entries in the Fringe brochure in order to advise friends, make a selection for the Addictions' unit where I worked and choose goodies for myself. I had a halcyon period where my friend was able to make suggestions and I discovered clowning and physical theatre but generally it's been down to me. Hence, I suspect, the hesiitation this year. Husband just cut out 4 and 5 * reviews and got on the booking site.

There are worse ways to do it. See my entry about going to friends' plays!

The shows were good. Bette/Cavett was a dramatisation, with 1970s adverts breaking up the narrative, of an interview between Bette Davis and Dick Cavett. The drama included an unplanned invasion through the emergency exit of two youngsters who descended through the auditorium, down four flights of wooden stairs and left into the corridor. Our actors carried on without missing a word or even allowing their eyes to wander sideways. Deserve an extra * just for that.

Tony Tanner at the Assembly hall delivered an astonishing tour de force: a one man play about the relationship between Diaghalev and Nijinsky. We sat entranced for an hour listening to one voice.

The stand up sketch show had its moments and the student production also. Husband awarded four * for his selection.