Sofar
Theatre (new writing, disabled-led)
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Venue 152Paradise in Augustines - The Studio
- 11:50
- Aug 19
- 1 hour
- Country: United Kingdom - England
- Group: Hive MCR
- Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes (death, terminal illness, mentions of cancer, mimed vomit). Strong language/swearing.
- Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
- Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
- Policy applies to: Children under 2 years
Description
Alma is a whale specialist on her final field mission before being forced into an early retirement. Accompanied by Sadie, fresh out of college and recovering from her first heartbreak, they pursue the crippled whale, Luna, on her final journey across the North Atlantic ocean to her birthplace. Alma and Sadie are tasked with tracking her until the very end, hoping that she really will make it home one last time. Sofar is about endings and last times. It is also about all the beginnings we sometimes forget to notice and appreciating all the time we really had.Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].
General venue access
- Accessible entry: The audience enter from George IV Bridge, with a couple of steps to enter the building. A temporary ramp is also available. The Studio is located downstairs, via a single width staircase. A lift is also available. The audience enter in the middle of the auditorium. There is a single row with level access, with further seating accessed via a raked centre aisle.
- Stairs: 20+
Wheelchair access type: Temporary Ramp, Lift (Platform Lift)
Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info
Captioned performances
- Dates: 16 August, 17 August
- Type: Open
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team to book your tickets and request any specific seating locations or if booking a unit is required.
Relaxed performances
- Dates: 16 August
- Booking options: You can book independently online, or contact our access team for more information or to discuss any accessibility requirements. Character Introduction Details
- Additional information: Information not supplied

Be aware that this show features:
- Total Audience Black Out
- Characters expressing anger
- Heavily dialogue-driven scenes
- Permission to move around and make noise
- Show guide or synopsis or character list
Show does not feature:
- Flashing Lights/Strobed Lighting
- Loud/repetitive/high pitched/unexpected or overlapping sound
- Distinctive smells
- Special effects (e.g. smoke/bubbles/pyrotechnics)
- Latex balloons
- Audience required to walk around
- Audience required to undertake directed movement
- Audience required to sing/speak along with/for performer
- Audience invited on stage
- Performer goes into audience area
- An intermission
- Audience chill out area
- Permission to engage with performer
How and when to make an access booking
- Phone: +44 (0)131 226 0002
- Email: [email protected]
- Textphone: +44 (0)7860 018 299
- Find out more about access at the Fringe.
Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:
- Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
- Requires extra assistance when at a venue
- Has specific seating requirements
- Is a wheelchair user
- Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance
Belinda Morgan 41 days ago
Thought provoking and emotional performance
Brilliantly acted
Overall absolutely fantastic
Fred Warman 43 days ago
So well acted and written. It really felt like they were on a boat and there was a whale. And so many messages to takeaway and discuss later. Both girls were brilliant. I loved it. Best thing I’ve seen this year out of the 19 seen so far and I’ve seen a few very good ones.
Sofar - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 44 days ago
A very moving and maturely-written piece - highly recommended. Sensitively directed with great pace and lovely snippets of humour. Outstanding performances from Martha Edwards and Lucy Whelan as Sadie and Alma.
Ruby O’Casey 44 days ago
Superbly crafted, incredibly designed, wonderfully acted. Can’t say enough good things about it. Unlike anything else I’ve seen at the fringe so far. Congrats to all involved - you’ve made a truly stunning moving piece.
Maya Walker 44 days ago
A beautiful, touching, incredibly performed play. The whole production was watertight and immersive, technically and emotionally. Masterful development of imagery and themes in the very natural writing. Super compelling characters - I wanted to crawl onstage with them and hold their hands. All in all a stunning play, very moving, healing, and excellent bursts of comedy amongst the emotion. I recommend it for anyone who feels lonely, craves sisterhood, or has academic trauma.
Maple Baker 44 days ago
A wonderful play in so many ways. It managed to be incredibly human but with so much to say about being alive, about the future.
Ruth Arnold 44 days ago
Beautifully acted, directed and written play. It was moving and funny in equal measures. Best thing I have seen on the fringe this year. I’m still thinking about its themes of the fragility of life, commitment, friendship, dedication, passion. A gem. Don’t miss it.
Evie Clancey 45 days ago
Oh wow. Believe the hype. I cannot believe I saw this in the basement of the church, SOFAR is so well polished it felt ready for the big stage. Beautifully alive writing, fantastically balanced performances, and tech so immersive that at one point, when all the lights where switched off, I still felt like I was there on the boat. A complete control on atmosphere. My showing had a standing ovation, and it was totally deserved. See it now so you get bragging rights for later!!
Karen M 46 days ago
A beautifully crafted and deeply moving gem of a play. Sofar draws on the deep connection between humans and animals, touching on issues of mortality and grief. It is funny and sad in equal measure, and the young creative team pull off a very mature and we'll-honed performance - there wasn't a dry eye in the house! This is a play that will sit with you for a long time - highly recommended.
Erin Walfisz 46 days ago
5 Stars, would give it more if we could! best show we’ve seen. PHENOMENAL Performances, masterful writing, most people cried leaving the theatre - it was so heartfelt. Everything was directed and performed with so much passion and heart and love. We were absolutely blown away. Wow!
Josh 46 days ago
An absolute must see. Such a powerful and moving story told with impeccable performances by Martha Edwards and Lucy Whelan. The writing is flawless, subtle and sheds a new and blinding light on the experiences of living with a disability like I’ve never seen before in theatre. An emotional and necessary watch. 5 stars!!
Kris 46 days ago
An incredibly moving play that had the audience captivated with a sense of calm and melancholy from the start. Brilliantly performed, directed, designed, and written, an absolute must see.
Marcus Fisher 46 days ago
This show is telling such an important story that isn’t told enough. The writing, direction and performances are captivating. Do not miss this show!
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
There are no professional reviews for this show.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.
Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.