Comic appointed as patron of the charity behind the festival

Eddie Izzard has been appointed as the first alumni patron of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society to champion the annual event.

The comic first came to the festival in  1981, while studying accounting and financial management at Sheffield University,  with a vision of emulating Monty Python.

It took Izzard 12 Fringes over 13 years – including a 1991  Perrier Award nomination – to successfully launch a stand-up career.

She said today: ‘The Edinburgh Fringe gives people from all around the world – a wonderful, open door opportunity to perform and be seen.  But it is also physically and mentally as tough as hell. It took me eight Fringe festivals to start breaking through, and ten festivals to finally arrive! 

‘But the Fringe Festival taking place in the dramatic and historic capital city of Edinburgh gives it something else. 

‘It gives it grandeur.  It is this grandeur, coupled with young people’s intense creative struggle, that has made the Edinburgh Fringe what it is today. A legend.'

Shona McCarthy, the society’s chief executive, said: 'Eddie’s enthusiasm and passion for what the Fringe represents is inspiring, and she speaks from the heart and personal experience of its challenges.

‘We are delighted to welcome her as a Patron of the Fringe Society.  As someone who has performed at the Fringe since the 80s, she has experienced the festival as an emerging artist, as a street performer, and as a returning performer at the top of her game.

‘Eddie’s involvement, through her role as Patron, will resonate with many looking to develop their careers.  It is a privilege to have Eddie on board, supporting the work of the Society and working with us to achieve our Fringe development goals and commitments."

Today’s announcement follows the 2021 appointment of Phoebe-Waller Bridge as the Society’s first honorary president.

In the coming months the society aims to recruit other alumni to champion the Fringe

Published: 27 Jul 2022