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Is the fringe recession-proof? Or is it simply such an important showcase for international companies that the question is not whether they can afford to come, but whether they can afford NOT to come.

Case in point is Dublin's Corn Exchange, which earlier this year lost 48% of its government funding. According to director Annie Ryan, that made it even more vital to bring their production Freefall to Edinburgh.

As well as giving their work profile, it allows them to network with other companies who might want to co-produce work (she's already met with Vicky Featherstone of the National Theatre of Scotland).

Leaner beast

Behind all the fun and frivolity lie some serious business opportunities, the chance to sell on a show, or get a new commission.

And with the world's media camped out here for at least some of the three and a half week duration, it's an opportunity few will want to miss.

Most agree the cuts will hit hardest in the next year or so - and the fringe of 2011 and 2012 may be a much leaner beast.

But for now, the show well and truly goes on with a record 2,453 shows - and advance sales for most venues already up on last year.