" I don't think going with the expectation of "becoming" part of the fringe on a first visit is realistic." says GUEST SteveT. That depends on the individual surely. We, (Tone Deaf Leopard), were told year on year that we should go to Sidmouth where our quirky songs would be appreciated... we should especially go to The Newt. Eventually, we did go, and found that to be true not only of The Newt, but The Anchor, Middle Bar, Dukes Open Mic., and The York and Faulkner. So long as you are prepared to wait your turn there shouldn't be a problem.