The Stage

Gudgin resigns as Edinburgh Fringe director

Published Monday 22 January 2007 at 15:00 by Alistair Smith

Paul Gudgin has stepped down as director of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, after eight years in charge.

According to a statement issued today, Gudgin, director of the event since 1999 is leaving to “produce a variety of festival and event-related projects both in the UK and internationally”.

He commented: “It has been a great privilege to run the world’s largest arts festival for the past eight years and I’m pleased that as an organisation we’ve passed some impressive milestones and seen such exponential growth. But it’s time for me to move on.

“While I’m leaving at a time of strength for the Fringe, there are still many challenges that my successor will face but fortunately they’ll also be inheriting a wonderful job and the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of people, from the fringe staff and board to the venue managers, performers and other festivals.”

Gudgin will remain with the fringe until the launch of the 2007 programme on Thursday, June 7. It is expected that the post of director of the fringe will be advertised in the next few weeks with interviews taking place in the spring.

Baroness Elizabeth Smith, chair of the fringe board of directors said: “I’m personally very sad that Paul is leaving the fringe but after eight years I recognise that he needs to explore other opportunities. Paul has contributed an extraordinary amount to the fringe during his time in office. The growth in ticket sales, performing companies and new venues has been headline news for many years. It’ll be a huge loss for me personally but I’m sure Paul will make a fantastic contribution to any organisation he works for. I wish him all the luck in the world.”