Jason Manford supports Edinburgh Fringe actor after just one person shows up for performance

An actor has been devastated after only one person showed up to her one-woman show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Georgie Grier posted a photo of herself crying to social media to vent about the difficult day.

She said in the caption: “There was one person in my audience today when I performed my one woman play, Sunsets at #ed fringe.

“It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s fine…”

There was one person in my audience today when I performed my one woman play, ‘Sunsets’ at #edfringe. It’s fine, isn’t it? It’s fine…? 🥹 pic.twitter.com/D0lfAsMMz0

— Georgie Grier (@georgie_grier) August 3, 2023

But her tweet went viral online and she has received loads of support from some pretty big names in the entertainment industry.

Irish comedian Dara Ó Briain responded to her tweet, saying: “We’ve all done it.

“More than once I had to buy my audience a drink as a thank you for being the only ones there.”

“Best thing though. It’s all stage time, and the show will get better every single time, ready for the big crowds later.”

One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton Morgan also sent support saying: “Announcing your vulnerability is a huge step! Proud of you. Keep telling stories from your perspective.”

Comedian Jason Manford even replied to Grier with a short video.

“It’s absolutely normal for one person to rock up to your show especially at the beginning of Edinburgh,” the comedian said.

“I did Edinburgh 2005 and I remember first couple of shows, the first week I think, was just such a slog and I was out in the rain and I was flyering and people weren’t coming.”

“And I got total imposter syndrome.

“But you know what, you’re on the path and it’s just the start.

“Tomorrow will be better and next week will be better, next year will be even better. So just enjoy yourself.”

Journalist and host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Scott Simon also chimed in saying: “And someday, it will be a funny story you tell about your path to success.”

I’m performing my one woman play, Sunsets, in the Snug at @Gildedballoon from 2nd - 27th Aug at #EdFringe. It’s about romantic comedies & it’s set during a live podcast recording. But will there be a happily ever after? 🎤🍿 Join me to find out 💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/J8lHUWMQ2k

— Georgie Grier (@georgie_grier) July 10, 2023

In December last year, author Chelsea Banning found herself in a similar situation when only two people turned up for her book signing.

“I did a signing to which nobody came, except a guy who wanted to buy some Scotch tape and thought I was the help,” replied literary great Margret Atwood.

For young up and comers, having the support of established actors and writers can be so meaningful and encouraging.

“Thank you so much Jason Manford and everyone for your kind words of support,” tweeted Grier.

Grier’s show ‘Sunsets’, which she calls “a one woman play about happily ever after” is all about rom-coms, disco and family.

Grier will continue performing Sunsets until 27 August and tickets to her show are still available on the Edinburgh Fringe Festival website.