OUR frazzled little band of Fringe first-timers (frizzy haired too, thanks to the persistent drizzle) are sloping around on the cobbles of the Royal Mile, limp flyers in hand.
Even the briefest bout of crowd-prowling and consolatory flyer exchanging, as we catch the looks of withered enthusiasm on other performers' faces, schools us in a broad array of flyering techniques and the five key types of flyer recipient:
1. T
he Avid Collector: We like these. The line "another flyer for your collection?" suffices, but we worry that this is more a manifestation of a coloured cardboard fetish or need to be excessively polite than any deep desire to grace our dramatic offering.
2. The my-hands-are-far-too-busy-with-my-bags/pockets/sudden-need-for-hair-readjustment-thank-you-very-much, which makes the task of the self-pitying flyer-er physically impossible. Sneaky. Especially when the flyer-ers themselves are frequently heavily laden with bags, folders and umbrellas; sporting wayward hair and soggy shoelaces that cry out for some hand-attention, and we still manage to distribute some flyers.
3. The smug dismissor: Shoots you a glance and a closed-lip smile which says "I am a pedestrian. You are a lowly flyer-er. I am only too happy with this status allocation."
4. The serial eye-contact avoider: You feel awkward. We feel awkward. An altogether lose-lose situation.
5. The Cunning Strategist: All too quick to whip out such retorts as "I already have one thanks", "I'm leaving today" or "I'm busy at that time". Clever, but we've noticed you. At least, we think we have ...
• Jo Trigg is a member of Broken Glass, who perform the drama Song at the Demarco Roxy Art House, 12:15pm, until 25 August.
