Fringe review: AN ODE TO THE CASTING DIRECTOR, Gilded Balloon
Previously receiving Coverfly's Red List #10 Comedy Stage Play spot and being selected as a semi-finalist at the ScreenCraft Stage Play Competition in 2024, Sophie Fisher’s autobiographical one-woman show An Ode to the Casting Director makes its Edinburgh Fringe debut this year.
Sophie Fisher (Project Rabbit, Netflix) captivates audiences as she brings centre stage the harsh reality, troubling truths, and occasional payoffs that the world of auditioning brings to those brave enough to try. The show highlights the weird and wacky things that most actors put themselves through for a chance at success, all whilst navigating self-doubt from those around them and even, at times, themselves.
Fisher does tremendously well throughout the hour-long show, effortlessly switching between settings and an array of different characters. The intimate space of The Penny at Gilded Balloon Patter House creates a real sense of vulnerability, with the close proximity adding to the idea of how intense and claustrophobic the industry can feel. The minimal set and neutral tones create a ‘blank canvas’ effect, a persona most actors yearn to fit into. Equally, the use of a camera streaming her ‘auditions’ onto a large TV helps create a dual point of view, enabling the audience to see the bigger (the actor and how they’re feeling) and smaller (what the casting director only cares to see) picture.
Although tripping over words at times, it can be easily forgiven due to the sheer amount she has to learn. Throughout, Fisher shows emotional range, clear characterisation, and has some hilarious quips which hold the audience's attention and does an exceptional job in getting the audience on side, feeling empathetic towards her navigation through an ever-growing, increasingly difficult industry.
An Ode to the Casting Director is chaotic, charismatic and utterly captivating. If you're an actor, creative or someone who simply wants to peek inside the life of an actor wannabe, this is a must-watch!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb