Edinburgh Fringe Festival Director Resigns

After what appeared to be a disastrous Fringe Festival this year and the wettest August in eight, Jon Morgan resigned from his position as Fringe director, effective immediately. Despite any obvious circumstances surrounding his departure, he said in his statement today that he had been considering quitting for 'some time.' Although he has only been in the post since June last year, he suggests he had been planning his resignation before the 2008 festival even began.

His statement reads:

“I feel privileged to have worked for the Fringe. It is the greatest arts festival on the planet and plays an important role in developing and showcasing new performing talent on a world stage. However, the role of Fringe director has taken me away from my first love; producing and presenting exciting performance to audiences and my intention is to return to that more direct relationship with artists and audiences.

“I have been considering this for some time, but felt it was important not to announce my departure before the festival so as to not impact on this year's festival. Following discussion with the Board I have now decided to step down with immediate effect, but I would like to stress that I will contribute fully to the independent review of the box office which was announced earlier this month.

“I would like to thank the board for their support over the last year and I would especially pay tribute to the Fringe Society staff team who deliver vital services that underpin the festival. Every year they work tirelessly and well above the call of duty and this year, in particular, they have dealt with very challenging circumstances with hard work, patience and dedication.”

Baroness Smith, chair of the Fringe Society board, replied: “The board is very grateful to Jon for his significant contribution to the Fringe at a challenging time of great change, and in the short time he has been in post, he has dealt with an unprecedented range of challenges. We are pleased that Jon is willing to assist with the independent review of the box office. The board appreciate his future career aspirations, and we would like to thank him for all his hard work and to wish him well in the future.”

Jon Morgan blamed the rain, the credit crunch, Olympic diversions, loss of some key venues and the ticket system meltdown for the drop in ticket sales in a separate statement. However, he and the Fringe organisers are determind to look on the sunny side; “This is the third year that the Fringe has sold in excess of 1.5 million tickets, signifying another fantastic year for the world’s biggest arts festival,” said Morgan. "At the start of the festival, many were worried about the loss of venues, impact of the Olympics and the economy. In a difficult year, with record rainfall and problems with ticketing, Fringe-goers have come out in force and enjoyed the festival."

Sacrifical lamb, a man desperate to avoid further haranguing, or a producer with a genuine love to return to direct, er, 'hands-on' work? The independent review into this year's box office debacle will be most interesting.