Edinburgh's not the only show in town. The Brighton Fringe, which will from 4th May to 2nd June next year, is the ideal place for acts to cut their teeth, show off their skills, and make an impression. Like Edinburgh, it is an opportunity for people to take advantage of that rare-in-Britain camaraderie which actually makes it okay – more than okay – to talk to strangers; you may entice them to your shows, ask after theirs, and revel in a curious sense of kinship. 2012's Fringe saw around 743 shows in 191 places, making it not only an amazing hub of creativity for performers but an amazing source of revenue for the town; the acts and the audiences of over 200,000 brought an estimated £10 million to the local economy.
I spoke to Julian Caddy, the Managing Director of the Brighton Fringe, to see how such a feat in these economically difficult times is possible and how young performers can still get involved.
When did you get involved in the Brighton Fringe and what makes it special for you?
Julian Caddy: I joined Brighton Fringe at the end of October last year but had been following Brighton Fringe as an observer, spectator or participant for several years before that. To me, Brighton Fringe represents both a genuine alternative and perfect complement to Edinburgh Fringe and there is a huge cross-over in terms of shows that go to both Festivals. The big difference however is that Brighton Fringe consists so much of home-grown local work, compared to much of Edinburgh Fringe being imported from elsewhere.
How long has the Fringe been running?
JC: There has been a Fringe in Brighton whether part of or independent from the “official” Brighton Festival since the late 60s. Brighton Fringe in its current incarnation became independent from Brighton Festival in 2006. In that time it has grown immensely and is now the largest arts festival in England.
Edinburgh has a lot of acts from abroad – do you find many international companies come to take part in the Brighton Fringe?
JC: There are a small, growing number and I’ve been out to South Africa and the Netherlands this year to invite more. We’re also speaking to many foreign embassies about developing this further [...]Of course, there is a continual increase in work coming to Brighton from all across the country and indeed the world, but there does still remain that strong local core which I think is great.
Given the cuts in arts funding and the state of the general economy, are there particular challenges involved in running the Fringe now?
JC: We aren’t a core funded arts organisation so as such have had to stand largely on our own two feet from day one. We’ve had to rely almost entirely on commercial partnerships in addition to the registration and box office fee income in order to offer the services that we do. We have a small core staff team and barely make ends meet but somehow we manage to spring a festival out of nowhere every year – that is what makes it so exciting. And Brighton Fringe grew by 14.5% in 2012 so hopefully we’re doing something right in this period of economic doom and gloom.
What are the opportunities available to young creatives who want to put on a show but are strapped for cash?
JC: There are bursaries and awards available. Information is available on our website (http://brightonfringe.org/participants/funding). We’re particularly excited by the new partnership with Ideas Tap who are offering ten £500 awards to young companies presenting new work. Otherwise, the barrier to entry at Brighton Fringe is very low anyway so you’d be surprised how little you actually need. Hurry though as the discount deadline is 10th December – final registration deadline is 4th February.
Interviewer: Thank you, Julian!
Comedy, Shakespeare, musical improv – there's a place for all at the Brighton. Book your places now as a performer or start looking for hotels as an observer. For young performers, don't forget to check out the Brighton Fringe – Ideas Tap award scheme.
Brighton not only has a pier and teeth-breakingly good rock but it also has a damn fine arts festival, one which this blogger is determined not to miss.
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