Fred at the Fest: Day 3

Water, water everywhere? That wasn't the case for the MacAulay and Co. team who were treated to a sunny Edinburgh on their third day. Well, almost sunny. As a runner on the show, it was certainly a relief to mingle with the audience and collect their questionnaires as the rainclouds stayed away, and it was smiles all round as many returned for seconds and thirds after the previous days' entertainment.

Nazeem Hussain, Jarlath Regan, Holly Walsh

That being said, the theme of water did run through the line-up today, with many of the comics having a go at the notorious Scottish weather. Jarlath Regan was quick to comment that he had 'absorbed more water than he'd drank' here in Edinburgh and the show even began in the water with the melodious stylings of pirate-duo, Jollyboat. More musical comedy was provided by Adam Kay and the 'nerdy-hot' DeAnne Smith and fellow stand-ups John Osborne, Holly Walsh and Nazeem Hussain (one half of Fear of a Brown Planet) all treated us to snippets from their great shows.

Richard Herring and David Sedaris

Fred was then joined on the sofa by hilarious fringe-heavyweights Richard Herring and Andrew Maxwell and in their midst David Sedaris, one of America's finest humour-writers, provided an almost sea-like calm. You can really gauge the energy of a show standing behind the scenes watching both the performers and the reaction of the audience and today seemed to be a huge hit. It was another great day to add to the success of the previous two shows.

Andrew Maxwell, David Sedaris and Fred MacAulay

And it is also beginning to feel like us runners are finding our 'sea-legs' (sorry!). With five of us in total, it's now a case of getting to grips with what is expected of us for the day and organising ourselves into a rota to cover different areas of the site, ushering guests, talking to audience members and providing backstage and green room support.

We'll continue on ship-shape tomorrow with more great guests and yes, I'll let them stick to the jokes...