Book review: The Accidental Producer by Tim Johanson

It's looking a bit bleak out there, if the noises from regular participants in fringe theatres and new writing are to be believed. According to the naysayers, Edinburgh's globally admired Fringe festival is becoming increasingly challenging; accommodation cost too high, venue costs exorbitant and the risks associated with trying to even break even looking dicier than ever. Similarly, theatres are finding it harder to take a risk on a new play by a new writer. Step up, then, Tim Johanson, and this treasure trove of ideas from the chalk face. The Accidental Producer is a frequently funny, frank and (the best part) inspirational guide which aims to encourage and motivate the next generation of producers. By the time I'd finished it, I was poised ready to take the world by storm with an imaginary play that I hadn't even written!

Johanson knows of what he speaks. With more than a decade of experience in the ever-changing world of the freelance theatrical producer, he writes with self-flagellating honesty and real conviction about the pivot point where creativity meets commerce. I loved his willingness to point out all the mistakes he has made along the way, as well as resolutely demystifying the process and role of the producer. A clutch of well-chosen interviewees peppered through the book help illustrate the points being made and flesh out the ideas here. Francessca Moody's insights into creating a ‘sleeper’ hit at the Edinburgh Fringe are genuinely fascinating (she did it with Fleabag, and she's doing it again with Kathy & Stella Solve A Murder) and Jez Bond's time at the Park Theatre give a glimpse behind the curtain in terms of venues and their scheduling.

So, who is this for? Well, it's actually a really good read on its own terms, but it's for any fledgling producer of pretty much anything. If I've a criticism, it's that there is slightly too much emphasis on producing larger-scale work (or work for larger-scale venues) whereas the natural reader of this book is someone who's probably working out how to get a foothold on the ladder. No matter, because it's packed with sage advice and the tone is spot on; contracts are ‘a vital annoyance,’ the author suggests. And who are we to argue? This is a starry title and a welcome addition to a niche market but one which is so well-written that it deserves to find an audience beyond the next generation of Sonia Friedmans.