In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Michele Stine about their show Always, Sometimes, Maybe.
What can you tell me about your show?
Always, Sometimes, Maybe is a solo theatre/clown/puppet show about a janitor who is so lonely she's made her friends out of trash. Lou unexpectedly finds herself with an audience; with nothing but her rubbish and lot of imagination, she tries to find connection. Using physical comedy and puppetry, this show is an honest and wild journey into what it means to be alone, and how we find our way back to each other.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Whimsical puppetry with absurd clowning and physicality.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I've been dreaming about this show for years and years, mostly because loneliness is something I've struggled with my entire life. Making friends was this elusive equation that I could never really crack. I'd make a friend or two in school, but it was a struggle. Then when I moved to Chicago, I realized I didn't know how adults go about making new friends. Last year I brought the show to the Fringe and had a really amazing time and experience. It was a family-friendly show with lots of joy and wide-eyed hope. This year is different. This year's show is a darker look at what happens when someone has been lonely for their entire life and how that's changed them.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We are not getting less lonely. The loneliness epidemic is still raging on, and in 2026 I'm seeing how loneliness is, truly, killing people. So how can we all laugh together, cry together, and walk away feeling more connected then before we walked into the theater?
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
The Fringe is a special kind of marathon. I've been running and lifting weights to try and build some physical endurance before August. Running is also a form of meditation for me; some of my best thinking happens when I'm out for a run.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
A small little puppet the size of your palm made entirely out of garbage.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without this month?
My backpack. Which a little bit cheating because I put a ton of stuff in there that is so so helpful to have when running around the city. Water bottle is essential, a notebook and pen, a jacket, clean pair of socks, chapstick, granola bars, and flyers for your show (obviously).
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I love this question. Defining success for yourself, I think, is a crucial part of doing the Fringe. It's a way to check in on yourself throughout the weeks, keep yourself centered, or redirect if needed. This year, success would be connecting with producers, artistic directors, and bookers.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
I'm very very excited to see Elf Lyon's new show, The Woman on the Edge.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Portobello Beach. It's a nice bike ride from city center, has a lovely boardwalk, beaches, and the water is beautiful. It's a nice getaway from the hectic Royal Mile and Fringe.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Honest, Dark, Whimsical, Ridiculous, Intimate
What keeps you inspired?
Finding the absurdity in humanity. In every "what the fuck?" response we have to the news, to some new trend, or some horrifying event, there's a nugget of ridiculousness. It's in that nugget where a lot of play, and curiosity, and truth lies and where I find inspiration.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I hope folks walk away willing to take a chance. Take a chance on yourself, on reaching out to someone, on giving someone a second chance at a first impression.
When and where can people see the show?
You can see Always, Sometimes, Maybe August 7th-30th (not 17th or 24) at 6:25pm at ZOO Playground - Playground 3.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/always-sometimes-maybe
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