Richard Jordan (Patron)

Internationally recognised as a theatre entrepreneur and impresario, Richard Jordan began his theatre career aged 16, working backstage in a West End production of Cats. He went on to work in stage and theatre management both regionally and in the West End and in 1998 he formed his own production company, Richard Jordan Productions Ltd. He is one of British theatre’s most influential and successful producers, producing or co-producing over 120 productions in 15 countries.

Richard, named for the eigth time in the 2013 Stage Newspaper’s UK Top 100 Theatre Professionals, is also a keen advocate of theatre training and development, and has enjoyed a long association with The Edinburgh Festival Fringe where his productions have won a wide variety of awards including the Scotsman Fringe First, Herald Angel Award, and the Total Theatre Award. He has been a member of the BAFTA judging panel since 2004.

photo: Eastern Daily Press

Heather James (Chair)

Heather has a successful background in sales and marketing working for international companies including EMI Records and Coca Cola & Schweppes. A former Brighton & Hove City Councillor and chair of the Sussex Police Strategic Independent Advisory Group, she has worked with communities and organisations across the city and has extensive experience of developing new forums and stakeholder groups. Heather joined the Fringe Board in 2005 with an ambition to establish Brighton Fringe as the most successful and inclusive fringe in the world.

“The best thing about Brighton Fringe is the exuberance and fun it brings to our city and the feel-good effect this has on everyone. The Fringe can make you feel the sun is shining even when it isn't!”

Colin Matthews (Vice Chair)

Colin has been involved with the arts/cultural scene in Brighton since late 60s. Run/promoted nightclubs and concerts in 80’s and 90’s. He was the gallery manager for University Gallery from 1989 to 2008 and Sallis Benney Theatre Manager from 1995 to 2008 as well as executive producer of the ‘Visions’ festival of international animated theatre. He was also chair of Zap Art for years and member of NHS Arts Advisory Board. Joined the Brighton Fringe board to ensure the festival becomes fully independent and robust, providing access to arts for all.

"The best feeling in May is the artistic vibrancy throughout Brighton and Hove."

Damian Barr

Damian Barr tells stories. Some are true, some might be. He writes and blogs for The Times and has written plays for Radio 4. A Literary Salonierre, keeper of chickens and drinker of gin, he lives in Brighton and travels widely.

"Brighton Fringe thrills the city every year and I want to broaden its appeal within the city and beyond into the rest of the country. My favourite thing about the Fringe in May is walking down the street and dodging a man on stilts in your rush to get to a a piece of performance poetry before that gig later on."

Steve Bustin

Steve is a PR consultant and media trainer, working with organisations to raise their profile through the media. He is also a freelance journalist, writing about the arts, current affairs and gardening for a range of publications and also performs as a stand-up comic! Steve is very much interested in reaching new audiences through the arts and thinks that Brighton Fringe is uniquely placed to bring together some of Brighton’s more disparate communities.

“I love seeing the city transformed for Brighton Fringe, with spaces that are often blank and lifeless for the rest of the year being brought into action with temporary venues and social spaces.”

Daisy Cresswell

Daisy is a Creative Director with over 15 years experience in Brand Experience. She runs a social media agency in London, Liberty842.com, which manages conversations and relationships in real-time on behalf of brands and celebrities. She joined the board in order to help them build long-term relationships with their target audiences through digital channels, and to bring her knowledge and expertise back to her hometown!

"Brighton Fringe is a great test-bed for new ideas and now, through social media channels, we can bring together the personal stories of both the acts and the audience reactions. There is so much that goes into putting on an event – and Brighton Fringe is the ideal platform for people to play with and test out their material.., bring it on!"

Judith Manson

Judith moved to Brighton in August 1994 and has never looked back. For over 20 years, she have been involved in newspaper and magazine publishing and since moving to Brighton she launched and ran the Brighton Source magazine for six and a half years. In 2002, she added 3SIXTY magazine to the portfolio. She joined the Pride team as fundraising and communications manager four years ago and was also part of the Brighton Live festival team from 2004-2007 as sponsorship and marketing co-ordinator.

"Brighton Fringe is a fantastic showcase of all that is great about the city we live in, from the weird to the wonderful and everything in-between."

Allan Spencer

Allan is the finance director of the University of Sussex and has worked in HE finance for nearly twenty years. He wants to help make Brighton Fringe thrive even further and want to use his experience and enthusiasm to help it grow and flourish.

"My favourite things about Brighton Fringe in May is the variety of content from classical to comedy and the buzz of the city with tents and events down the green artery to the Old Steine."

Douglas Stewart

Douglas is a solicitor working in private practice, advising companies and businesses on commercial matters and company law. He moved down to Brighton for work some 12 years ago and so far haven’t found a reason to leave. Being part of the Brighton Fringe Board is an opportunity to use his legal and professional skills in a different context and to benefit the arts in Brighton & Hove, alongside being involved with something that is an intrinsic and important part of the city.

"The sheer number and diversity of events taking place is absolutely staggering. There’s so much to choose from that it’s always a challenge trying to fit it all in."