Backstage at Brighton Fringe Festival
The Brighton Fringe Festival is a truly special part of Brighton’s identity, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been its official photographer for a few years. If there’s ever a time when my work doesn’t feel like work, it’s during the Fringe Festival. The atmosphere is electric, the creativity is boundless, and the sheer variety of performances makes every day an adventure.
One of the greatest joys of the Fringe is the unexpected discoveries. Not only do I get to attend shows I’d happily pay to watch, but I also find myself at performances I might not have chosen on my own—and they often turn out to be incredible. That’s the magic of the Brighton Fringe Festival: the diversity, the surprises, and the way it draws you into experiences you never anticipated. Every show has its own charm, its own energy, and its own story to tell.
What makes my role even more rewarding is the time I spend backstage. Meeting the performers as they prepare for their shows is always a fascinating experience. Watching them go through their warm-up routines, organize their props, and prep the stage adds a whole new layer to the artistry that the audience sees. These behind-the-scenes moments are raw, unfiltered, and full of heart.
Unlike the grandeur of London’s West End, where backstage is often bustling yet impersonal, the Fringe has an endearing, homespun charm. Performers sit among boxes, costumes, and props, helping each other with last-minute adjustments. There’s no team of stylists or stagehands—it’s all hands on deck, and everyone pitches in. They laugh, they muck around, they share dressing rooms with the acts before and after them. It’s a family of artists supporting one another, and I get to witness these intimate moments of camaraderie.
For me, these glimpses behind the curtain are fantastic. They remind me of the passion, dedication, and creativity that fuel the arts. To be part of it, even in a small way, feels like a privilege.
Aren’t I lucky?
