With over 25 years in the live entertainment industry and more than six years leading the Sales team at Dewynters, Abigail Fisher brings a unique blend of experience, empathy, and passion to her role. From her early days in the box office to working on productions like War Horse, Abigail’s career has taken many fascinating turns – each shaping her leadership style and vision for a more inclusive and accessible industry. We sat down with Abigail to talk career milestones, mentorship, and what continues to drive her in the world of live entertainment.
What did you dream of doing when you were younger?
“Acting or meteorology, but I had such an uninspiring geography teacher, acting it was.”
How did you get started in live entertainment?
“I’ve had a parallel life to this one and started out as an actor. When I wasn’t acting, I worked in theatre box offices, starting in the phone room of Stoll Moss Theatres – and my career in ticketing was born.”
Can you share a memorable moment in your career that has had a significant impact on you?
“I worked at National Theatre Productions for five years and being part of a busy production office meant you were party to the creative and financial decision-making processes and rationale across several productions, including War Horse. It helped me understand how a production office functions – especially within a huge arts organisation and it was an open, inclusive and big-hearted place to work. Plus, I got my cat, Lonny, there!”
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter the entertainment industry?
“Be open to trying different things that you find interesting. There are a wide variety of roles within the industry that aren’t always obvious. In the early ’90s I was forever being told to get a ‘proper job’, but thankfully, there’s no such thing anymore. There are also many talented women in this industry, so if you meet someone you get along with, ask them to be your mentor, we’re very approachable. Be true to yourself and find your own voice if you can. I’m very lucky that Dewynters is an incredibly warm and welcoming place to work and a safe environment to be able to chat.”
In your opinion, what are the key qualities that make a great leader in live?
“Lead by example – and be kind, understanding and empathetic while you’re at it.”
Who has been your biggest mentor in your career and what were some of the most valuable lessons you learned from them?
“My dad was a huge mentor. The most valuable lesson I learned from him is not to be afraid to make mistakes, have no regrets, and move on. Every day is a school day and if it’s not, it’s time to throw in the towel.”
Is there a particular Person that inspires you?
“Madonna. She is a trailblazer and paved the way for so many women. She stands up for what she believes in, takes risks and doesn’t bow to the patriarchy! Also, Stella Creasy my local MP, she’s a strong and proud resident with a big voice in the community and stands up to hate.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had in your career and how did you overcome them?
“Early on, it was lack of choice coming from a working class background, having to audition at the local council for funds, a lack of knowledge and understanding about working in the arts at school. More recently, it’s been learning to not speak for the sake of it. Less is always more. I’ve just kept plugging away and through hard work, curiosity and not taking things too seriously those workplace doors have opened for me, from venue, ticket agent, producer and now Dewynters, which seems to be my happy place.”
How do you measure success, and what are some of your proudest achievements?
“Life Is full of little moments of joy. I find success difficult to measure as it’s so subjective. However, I am so proud to head up a small but busy team of very talented Sales and Ticketing specialists, who Inspire me every day. Their inclusiveness, Insight, hard work, knowledge and humour make my job a pleasure. In fact, that goes for everyone at Dewynters, we all have our own parts to play that make up a magical whole.”
If you were to give your younger self some advice, what would that be?
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. Give yourself a break. There’s never a right time to have kids. Save more dosh, ha! Not always easy in my jobbing actor years.”
How would you like to contribute to the evolution of the live entertainment industry and what impact do you hope to leave behind as your legacy?
“I am passionate about accessibility in theatre. Not only via accessible pricing but also developing and nurturing future talent. We are one of the leading arts countries in the world, but it’s shocking how accessible the arts are to most people, particularly at grassroots levels. I’d like there to be a bigger conversation within the industry around ticketing and the discount market in general and I want to see a more diverse arts workforce reflective of the society we live in. At Dewynters we’re developing an outreach programme in order to help give an understanding of the variety of roles available to all.”
