A graduate of Classical Studies, Mason had been coming to the Fringe as a producer since the early 2000s. In 2014 she began working for Laughing Horse’s Free Festival and was instrumental in helping to shape its direction. She wore a number of hats over the years at Laughing Horse, juggling so many roles that Laughing Horse Director Alex Petty has said that in the end her job title became ‘Vice-Admiral’ or just ‘Lydia.’ 

‘She had so many skills that helped practically and mentally for performers,’ Petty added. ‘Her ability to set-up tech at venues, organise and run comedy shows was obviously invaluable, but even more important was her ability to make friends with anyone instantly. She was always willing to be the first to comfort people who were upset or encourage random people, and that translated so well into supporting performers at venues.’

Mason was a champion of mental health support, passionate about widening performer access and inclusivity. In 2022 she helped establish mental health drop-in sessions and an online ‘Hub Of Hope’ for performers, as well as quiet spaces for neurodivergent performers to relax when not onstage. She also spent time liaising with venues who had not previously hosted comedy, supporting them to become festival hosts. 

Stand-up comic Luke Connell, who knew Mason well and has performed for several years at the Free Festival said: ‘It was always amazing to see Lydia running around with a staple-gun, or hustling to flyer before a show. There was nothing she wouldn’t get stuck into, and she was always there for you when it came to getting performers’ heads around the stresses of the festival.’

Free Festival are running a special edition of their Early Late Show, in Lydia Mason’s memory and in aid of The UK Sepsis Trust, and there will also be a ‘Pick of the Fringe’ line-up show featuring acts who knew her well, with proceeds again going to the UK Sepsis Trust in her memory. 

Dates TBC, please look out for announcements via the Free Festival website.