Addison Lee Cresswell (28 June 1960 – 23 December 2013) was a British comedy talent agent and producer.
He was notable for finding many stand-up "alternative" comedians at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and at other venues, promoting them and finding spots for them on television and radio over a 30-year period from the 1980s. He has been called "one of the most influential people in British comedy", "arguably the most powerful man in UK comedy" for two decades and "the Darth Vader of the Fringe".
Early life
Cresswell was born in Brighton, East Sussex. His father, Peter Cresswell, was the dean of arts at Goldsmiths College, University of London. His younger brother, Luke, became a founder of the dance and percussion group Stomp. He was educated at St Luke's Primary School (Brighton), Longhill High School (Rottingdean), and Brighton Polytechnic, where he studied graphic design and was the student entertainments officer.
As Ents Officer at Brighton Polytechnic, he booked bands such as U2, Killing Joke, Joy Division, New Order and Madness. He was able to live off the money he made.
