Phoebe Waller-Bridge becomes Edinburgh Fringe Society president
- The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society has appointed Phoebe Waller-Bridge as its first president
- The Fleabag star will represent and advocate the charity which runs the annual arts festival
- "I'm proud to be a part of the fight with the Fringe Society for its much needed survival and glorious return"
Fleabag star Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been named as the new president of the society that runs Edinburgh's fringe festival.
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society explains: "The position, which is the first of its kind, will see Waller-Bridge act as a representative and advocate for the Fringe Society: the charity that exists to support everyone who wants to participate in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
"In her capacity as president, Waller-Bridge will attend select events and speak on behalf of the society where appropriate. The honorary appointment was unanimously confirmed earlier this month by the charity's board of directors."
The Edinburgh Fringe, which takes place each August, is the world's biggest arts festival. Phoebe Waller-Bridge performed her one-woman play Fleabag at the Edinburgh Festival in 2013, as part of the Fringe. The show earned an Olivier Award nomination and a special commendation from the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and was subsequently adapted into a hit BBC television sitcom.
Speaking about the appointment, Phoebe Waller-Bridge says: "The Edinburgh Fringe has staged an annual cultural revolution for decades. It's where thousands of writers, comedians, performers and artists cut their teeth and put their most raw work out into the world. Whether it's a two hander in a shoebox, a gig in a van, a promenade through the streets or a mammoth musical epic, this festival is a global symbol of artistic freedom and experimentation. It relies on its audiences and it relies on its artists.
"It's where the relationship between the two is feverishly consummated, sometimes with great success, sometimes with awkward fumbles behind an inflatable cow, but always with unbridled passion and creativity. From leaking caves to cobbled streets to the glamour of the Traverse Theatre up to Arthur's Seat, this festival is a beating heart of an industry that has been all but crushed by the pandemic, and I'm proud to be a part of the fight with the Fringe Society for its much needed survival and glorious return."
Shona McCarthy, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society's chief executive, adds: "We're so delighted to have Phoebe come on board as our first ever president. Her work, her legacy and her passion for the Fringe is truly inspiring, and her journey since bringing Fleabag to the Fringe in 2013 has been nothing short of remarkable.
"We know we've got serious work to do to overcome the challenges that covid has brought to our sector. The Fringe Society is here to keep advocating for the Fringe and the thousands of amazing creatives who make it happen every year. I am absolutely thrilled to have the fantastic Phoebe in our corner, championing those calls."
This year, the Edinburgh Fringe is scheduled from 6th to 30th August. At the present time it has not been confirmed what format this year's festival will occur in, but it is expected to be a largely virtual event. Updates will be posted on edfringe.com