Other ideas

For the ultimate fringe freeload, you can exploit the fact that an aspiring stand-up comic will rather perform for free than perform to an empty house. Hang around for a while on a quiet night in the bar of a major comedy venue, and there's every chance you'll be offered some tickets absolutely for free. You have to take what you're given, of course, and there's no guarantee of getting anything at all, but it's worth a try if you're not too choosy.

Free tickets

For the ultimate fringe freeload, you can exploit the fact that an aspiring stand-up comic will rather perform for free than perform to an empty house

If you want to see a big-name act you'll be out of luck looking for any attractive deal, but you can still save a few pounds by planning your trip away from the weekend. Friday, Saturday and sometimes Sunday nights are usually priced higher, while ticket availability is often best on a Tuesday.

And finally - if you're really minding the pennies, don't do anything at the venue except to watch the show. Drink, food and almost everything else is far more expensive at a venue than outside, as the owners quite naturally exploit their captive market, keen to enjoy a drink during the performance or a snack to nibble in the queue. It's cheaper to wait until after the show - then pick a cheap bar or restaurant nearby.