Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society announces thatFleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge has been appointed in the role of honorary President of the charity.
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.
The honorary appointment, that was unanimously confirmed earlier this month by the charity’s Board of Directors, will involve attendance at select events and speaking on behalf of the Society where appropriate.
Waller-Bridge performed her highly successful one-woman play Fleabagat Underbelly during the 2013 Fringe when it earned an Olivier Award nomination and a Special Commendation from the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, and was subsequently adapted into a hit televised series for BBC 3 and Amazon.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society Chief Executive Shona McCarthy said “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.”
The Edinburgh Festival Fringe will take place from 06-30 August 2021, either digitally, live or both. Further information on planning for the 2021 festival in light of the Coronavirus pandemic can be found at their website.
Irene Brown
Radio Summerhall Arts 