THE sheriff’s in town... holding Brighton Fringe director Julian Caddy to ransom.

The Sheriff of Nottingham was in New Road, Brighton, for a publicity stunt and launched a surprise visit on Julian and put him in the stocks.

The sheriff, actor Patric Kearns, joked: “I threw him in the stocks for crimes against culture, which included making people far too happy and spreading good cheer through all his efforts, as well as championing the arts.”

The get-together was devised by Julian and James Weisz, director of The Adventures Of Robin Hood, which is coming to Brighton Open Air Theatre (Boat).

Mr Weisz said: “It’s so much fun coming up with interesting ways to publicise a show and Julian has always been so supportive. His wonderful energy and commitment to make the Fringe better and better for the community is a wonderful thing and shouldn’t go unnoticed. And we had great fun putting him in the stocks anyway.”

Julian said: “Brighton Fringe is all about fun, expression and setting yourself free, so I was more than happy to get involved with Boat’s creative endeavours today. As May approaches we’re all extremely excited for the outburst of colour and culture across the city and can’t wait to enjoy all that Boat and our other 150 plus venues have to offer.”

The Adventures Of Robin Hood runs during May half-term from May 30 to June 3 at Boat in Dyke Road Park, Hove. For tickets visit brightonopenairtheatre.co.uk.

Brighton Fringe runs from May 4 to June 3 with thousands of events in the city.