Comics to have a greater say in Edinburgh festival

Performers will have a greater say in how the Edinburgh Fringe is run, after a shake-up in the festival’s governing body.

The Festival Fringe Society will be overhauled with a new-look board, with some places reserved for performers and venue operators.

There will also be a new ‘participants council’ for artists, producers and promoters to bring major issues to the board’s attention.

Meanwhile, the open-access principle, which means anyone can bring a show to the festival, will be enshrined in the first new constitution to be drawn up in 42 years,

The shake-up came following complaints from comedians and other performers that their interests were not properly represented on the Fringe board.

After the changes were endorsed by 93 per cent of Fringe members, chief executive Kath Mainland said: ‘I'm delighted that people felt interested enough in the Fringe to endorse these proposals as much as they have. It is a resounding result.’

Tommy Sheppard, director of the Stand Comedy Club who oversaw the review of the Fringe board said, said: ‘I am very pleased that the work carried out over the last year has received the endorsement of society members.

‘We have held the most extensive consultation ever in the Fringe’s 64-year history. In the last year over 2,000 people have either responded to one of our online surveys or attended one of our special meetings.

‘The new constitution includes a different approach to how we form the society’s board so that it will always have within it the voices of performers and venues. This is to ensure that the Board will know the impact of its every decision on the venues and performers who are integral to the Fringe’s success and was one of the key things that came out of the consultation.

‘Another new initiative is the Participants’ Council. The council is designed to make sure that the views and opinions of those people whose creativity and drive makes the Fringe happen each year are heard. Our hope is that the Participants’ Council will flourish and grow into a strong voice setting out ideas and initiatives that will contribute to the growth and development of the Fringe in years to come.’

Published: 23 Nov 2010