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 the team behind the buoffon troupe show Gutter.
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| Photo by Rachael Dobbie |
What can you tell me about your show?
Gutter is a cabaret night where a bouffon troupe crawl out of a bin to host a line-up of grotesque, dark, and unhinged acts. Bouffon is clown's mocking cousin with a glint in their eye.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
It's bouffon plain and simple. It's finely honed immersive chaos where you've no clue what's coming next.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
After the 2024 Fringe, when I was recalibrating, I found myself thinking how I love art that takes you into another world. I started to imagine the myth of the bouffons living in the swamps outside the city walls and how this would work perfectly set in London. I then saw a Biffa bin and was like, "Biffa..boffa…bouffon!" and decided to have them emerge out of a bin.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
We've just sold out every single show including at the Soho Theatre since Gutter's birth 18 months ago at The Pen Theatre, in Bermondsey.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I just did a 2 week silent meditation retreat in a field in Somerset involving lots of practice in developing awareness and space around difficult feelings. Good training for the emotional rollercoaster of the Fringe.
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?
I'd tenderly place a piece of rubbish in their hand as if giving them the most precious thing in the world. If they refused to take it I'd burst into tears.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can't live without at the Fringe?
Not an item so much as a mindset: having as much delight in other people's success as my own. Trust me, it helps.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
Many, many people come out the show feeling like they've been spat out of a human washing machine.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Lawrence Dodd's show This Can't Be It - a clown exploring masculinity and authenticity. Those People – clown sketch duo who've been working together since school, and Lady Bolognese – two bouffon-y dinner ladies taking on the audience.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
Wardie Bay – a small beach you can have a fire after swimming in the North Sea.
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
Unique. Anarchic. Guttural. Emotional. Joyful.
What keeps you inspired?
The fact that people naturally hide their dark side, protect their vulnerability and less put together selves. I love delving into this stuff and ruffling feathers.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Ensemble work, although challenging, reaches places solo performances can't access. Proof that you can only get so far on your own.
Gutter runs at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe running from 18th until 30th August at 11.20pm at Friesian at Underbelly, Bristo Square. Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/gutter
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| Photo by Rachael Dobbie |
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