The departing mayor of Brighton and Hove appears to already have one eye on the future – after making his acting debut at the Fringe.

Councillor Bill Randall, who officially vacates the post today, stunned audience members when he walked on set for the Harbour Theatre Company’s Breakfast at Dalkey.

The veteran councillor was persuaded to tread the boards by friend and playwright/director Eddie Alford.

Describing his pal’s performance as “a little cameo appearance a la Hitchcock”, Mr Alford said he was “a natural”.

He added: “We have been most impressed with his professional approach. He was of course working as an intern to gain experience of the business.

“This could be the start of a new career following his year of office as mayor.”

But despite his performance going down well with both punters and fellowactors, Coun Randall played down any future career in the industry.

He said: “It is the first time I have ever done anything like that. It was good fun.

“I don’t think I will be pursuing acting as a career, though.

“There is plenty enough drama for me in the council chamber – I certainly don’t need any more.”

The play told the story of the writer’s grandfather, who had 12 children with his first wife.

Mr Alford said: “When she died he married a cousin of hers who was half his age. That was very popular in the family. The names have been changed to protect the guilty.”

Coun Randall will officially hand over the role of Brighton and Hove mayor to Conservative councillor Denise Cobb today.


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