Edinburgh Fringe Chats (#26): Sophie Fisher, AN ODE TO THE CASTING DIRECTOR

27 Jun

Conducted by Emmie for Theatre and Tonic

As anticipation builds for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025, we’re catching up with a range of exciting creatives preparing to bring their work to the world’s largest arts festival this August. In this series, we delve into the stories behind the shows, the inspiration driving the artists, and what audiences can expect.

Today, we’re joined by Sophie Fisher to chat about An Ode to the Casting Director.

1. Can you begin by telling us about your show and what inspired it?

An Ode to the Casting Director is an impressively accoladed solo show written and performed by screen actress Sophie Fisher (Project Rabbit, Netflix) following her awkward yet determined autobiographical self-battling through a minefield of film industry dickheads, gender-role-obsessed boyfriends and insane actors, one audition at a time. Coverfly's Red List #10 Comedy Stage Play and Semifinalist ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition 2024.

The show started as a series of voice recordings and notes I had taken over my years in the industry. All the whacky audition stories, the weird things that had happened to me on set and in my day jobs. It got to the point where I had so many stories that ran along the same themes I decided to knock it into a script, not really knowing what the outcome would be or what I would do with it. But it became this heartbreaking but sweet story of someone so determined to chase their dream even when everything and everyone around them is trying to batter them down. And what it takes to keep persevering when you know deep in your core that you can do it, but you have nothing left.

2. What made you want to bring this work to the Fringe this year?

These are experiences that I know many people in the entertainment industry have had themselves. But beyond that it’s a universally relatable experience to have a dream or a goal that you want so badly deep in your core but the world around you and the people in your life, whether deliberately or not, hold you back and make you feel as though those dreams are too big or unrealistic. I wanted to bring this show to the Fringe this year because it is such a brilliant platform for new work and new artists to try things out, it feels like the perfect space for a show about never giving up on your dream and learning to believe in yourself no matter what.

3. How would you describe your show in three words?

Cinematic, Empowering, Chaotic

4. What do you hope audiences take away from watching your performance?

I hope audiences enjoy a unique cinematic screen performance in a theatre setting. We are hoping to give audiences a new experience they haven’t seen on stage before. I also hope they take away the courage and self-belief to chase the big scary dreams and not let other people’s fears or doubts stop you from taking the big leaps.

5. What’s your top tip for surviving the Fringe?

The top tip I’ve been given from people is to KEEP THE FAITH. Especially when you are out in the streets flyering away in the heat just remember why you are doing this. I think the thing I want from Edinburgh Fringe is to just appreciate and enjoy it as much as I can. This is something I’ve worked hard for for a long time to get to this place, I want to enjoy the experience and remember how proud I am of myself for how far I’ve come and what I’ve achieved. I think those are the things I’ll need to remember on the tougher days!

6. Where and when can people see your show?

The show will be at Gilded Balloon, Patter House – The Penny from July 30th – August 25th (Not 12th) at 11:40. We would love to see you there!