Andrew Fishwick - Gone Fishing

Andrew studied acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, but after graduating he felt that the UK theatre scene had grown stale. He decided to go into theatre production, with the aim of driving change and innovation in the theatre world.

Andrew’s first big break as a producer came when he was approached to produce Sylvester Stein’s play Who Killed Mr Drum? “At the time I had no idea what the project would involve – but in time I learnt that the answers included 18 months’ hard work, about £300,000 and Kevin Spacey!”

Setting up a new venture

After several years as a producer, Andrew joined forces with fellow theatre producer Kate Mackonochie to form The Fish Partnership. Their aim is to produce work of the highest calibre, through collaboration with the finest practitioners. In the last few years The Fish Partnership has grown to a team of four and has established itself as a producer of innovative and exciting work in the West End, nationally and internationally.

Andrew initially attempted to secure a bank loan to fund the new venture. “I wasn’t able to find a single bank that would look at theatre as a viable business model – this is something that definitely needs to change,” he explains. “Luckily, I was able to raise funds through individual investors who believed in us and our vision.” The company has grown to five employees and produces work in the West End, Broadway and internationally.

On entrepreneurship

In Andrew’s experience, entrepreneurship is, “about doing what everyone tells you is impossible – so you should expect plenty of challenges along the way.” To any aspiring entrepreneurs, his advice is simple: “Do it – and do it now! There’s no greater feeling than finishing your day knowing that you have helped to shape the future of the company you started from scratch.”

www.thefishpartnership.com