“Advance ticket sales for the Edinburgh Festival’s 2009 season have soared by up to 40 per cent, leaving Fringe bosses baffled but delighted. Recession-wary ‘staycationers’, the weak pound, or punters taking no chances after last year’s box office fiasco have all been credited with helping the dramatic sales boost in the midst of a downturn. … The Fringe is desperate for a strong year after last year’s annus horribilis.”