Fringe boss quits stage in wake of ticket chaos

THE director of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has quit his post in the wake of the ticket problems which have dogged this year's event.

Jon Morgan announced his decision to step down as director of the Festival Fringe Society just days after this year's Fringe drew to a close.

He had previously admitted his job was on the line after a disastrous festival which saw the box office plagued by problems.

Despite this, it was generally thought that the Fringe had gone as well as it could, and Mr Morgan's decision will come as a surprise to many of those involved.

In a statement, he said he had been considering stepping down from the post – which he only took up last year following the exit of long-standing director Paul Gudgin – since before this year's event.

He now plans to return to producing, but insisted he would still participate in the review of the Fringe which was announced in the wake of the box office problems.

"I feel privileged to have worked for the Fringe," he said.

"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.

"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."

The Fringe has been was beset by problems this year, following the disastrous introduction of a new box office software system.

Problems with the software, which handled ticket sales for every show in its massive programme, meant the box office was effectively closed for almost two weeks after the programme launch, with venue managers estimating thousands of potential sales had been lost.

More problems followed after it was put back online, with customers being charged for tickets they did not receive, and shows being badly overbooked.

In truth, the box office problems were the last thing the Fringe needed this year, as it did not have its problems to seek.

A breakaway comedy festival launched by the city's four major venues had already raised concerns about the disintegration of the festival, while this was also the first year that the Fringe was being held without the accompanying Edinburgh International Film Festival, which now takes place in June.

To add to the problems, the city suffered the wettest August ever recorded.

Baroness Smith, chair of the Fringe Society board, said: "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."

Jackie Wetsbrook Westbrook, the marketing and communications manager for the Edinburgh International Festival, said Mr Morgan would be missed.

"Jon Morgan has been a welcome festival friend and colleague and we have greatly enjoyed working with him," she said.

"All of us at the International Festival would wish him well and every success for the future."