Curious to get to know him a bit better, we sat down with him to find out more about his background, experience, and what the Fringe and Edinburgh mean to him.
What did you work in before this role?
My immediate previous role was joint CEO of Riverside Studios in London. I joined a couple of months before Covid hit in 2020 which made for an interesting couple of years! Prior to that, I had been CEO of South Africa’s National Arts Festival for 12 years. The Festival is a mix of curated and fringe programming, predominantly featuring South African artists but with a strong international flavour. My broad mix of experience includes producing, touring, establishing and running new festivals, with a sprinkling of corporate sponsorship and media experience.
What are you most excited about your new role as Chief Executive at the Fringe Society?
Working with a team that is at the top of its game, co-ordinating the complex and challenging ecosystem that underlies the Fringe. Obviously, the Fringe holds a special place in the hearts of those who live here and those who visit in the summer – and being part of that world is the most exciting part.
What makes an open-access festival like the Edinburgh Fringe special to you?
The world today – more than ever – needs the arts and the arts today – more than ever – needs the Fringe. The Fringe ethos of being open and accessible to anyone with something to say, and the opportunity it provides artists and audiences to connect in an extraordinary way is vital. And Edinburgh, because of its history and legacy, is at the centre of that.
Have you lived in Edinburgh before? What excites you about the city?
I’ve never lived here before, although I have visited often. Edinburgh feels like a bubble to me – stepping into it and experiencing the openness and approach to life that Edinburgh people have, the energy of the city, how everything is accessible (despite the hills!) and how it feels like the centre of the universe once you’re in it is all very special and unique.
What was your first experience with the Edinburgh Fringe? Did a particular show or moment leave a lasting impression on you?
My first visit was nearly 20 years ago and I’ve been back a number of times since then. It’s really hard to pick a single show that stands out. I used to love watching my colleagues and friends from South Africa perform and do well here, and I used to use it as a shopping ground for shows to tour back to South Africa….with great success and resulting in many friendships and memories.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself!
I used to be a radio presenter and tech journalist and did a review of a newfangled phone in the 1990s that was the first to have a built-in camera. I railed against it on air, saying it was a fad and wouldn’t have any appeal….my camera couldn’t take calls so why did I need a phone that took photos? I no longer think that’s true but, to be safe, don’t take any investing advice from me.
