Sydney Fringe has new director

The Newtown Entertainment Precinct Association has announced the appointment of Richard Hull to the role of Festival Director, replacing inaugural Fringe Director, Kris Stewart, who leaves the Fringe to take up the position of Director of the Festival of Voices in Tasmania.

The Newtown Entertainment Precinct Association has announced the appointment of Richard Hull to the role of Festival Director, replacing inaugural Fringe Director, Kris Stewart, who leaves the Fringe to take up the position of Director of the Festival of Voices in Tasmania.

Richard brings to the Fringe a wide-ranging background in the arts industry including a 14 year association with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe as a Producer with Assembly Theatre and his own independent company, along with various other roles.

He has extensive experience managing theatres in London’s West End, including the Donmar Warehouse with Artistic Director Sam Mendes, and the Prince Edward Theatre for Cameron Mackintosh.

His most recent role has been with the Sydney Opera House as Head of Customer Service, a position he held for three years.

“I have long thought Sydney deserved its own Fringe festival and was thrilled to see this project develop and blossom last year,” he said 

“I look forward to the opportunity to build on the work already achieved during the 2010 Festival.”

Greg Khoury, Chair of the Newtown Entertainment Precinct Association (the Fringe’s governing body) said is was a positive appointment.

“We are very lucky to have been able to add Richard to the Fringe’s small team,” he said. 

“He has the skills, experience and enthusiasm which the Fringe needs to build on the achievements of its inaugural Director, Kris Stewart.”