As Bristol Old Vic’s biannual Ferment Festival enters its second week, Emma Stenning, Bristol Old Vic’s Executive Director, today announced some key changes to the staff team.
 
After three successful years developing a host of inspiring work and artists, Ferment Producer Kate Yedigaroff is leaving Bristol Old Vic to establish MAYK, a new independent producing company, with long-time collaborator Matthew Austin. MAYK will continue to produce Mayfest, the annual festival of contemporary theatre, alongside other projects with artists and organisations throughout the year.

Emma Bettridge has been appointed as the new Ferment Producer. Emma has worked extensively with artists around the region. She is currently the director of the Pulse Fringe Festival in Ipswich, as well as an associate reader for the Soho Theatre, a consultant for East to Edinburgh (ACE East initiative) and Peer Reviewer for the Wellcome Trust. Prior to this she tour-managed Gecko's international tour of The Overcoat, produced the national tour of My Name is Sue and ran the Pleasance London and Edinburgh Programmes.

Joe Spurgeon, Editor of Venue, has also been appointed at Bristol Old Vic to the new position of Marketing Manager. Joe is an experienced editor, journalist and project manager, and has been at Venue for the last six years, as well as working for The Stage and Fest - the must-have guide for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Emma Stenning, Executive Director, said: ‘We’re completely delighted that Emma and Joe are joining our team. They both have a tremendous passion for supporting artists and demonstrated a real hunger to work with Bristol Old Vic.  Emma and Joe will be working alongside the full staff team towards the reopening of our refurbished theatre, the continued success of Bristol Ferment and attracting even more people to Bristol Old Vic”.