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 Stephen Catling about her show Clown Fish Out Of Water.
What can you tell me about your show?
It's another surrealist romp through my insane brain from inspiration of losing my mask last year and reflecting on masking, my place as an autistic man (and the ostracisation of that) along with questioning my place within the industry as it becomes more risk adverse and capitalistically driven (in a bad way).
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
I use the term surrealist /absurdist clown but I have been coming up with a new term to better understand what I do, which is that I am a surrealist maximum world-builder. I do the exact opposite of a minimalist deconstruction where you deconstruct the concept of a joke or show, instead I fully immerse people in my world with a fusion of standup, performance art, clown, props and a chaotic cacophony of sound to completely overwhelm envelop people into my surrealist fantasies. Reality gets crushed under the weight of mine.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
I lost my slug mask and I thought about how I hated to mask my feelings to blend into workplaces, I also came up with the idea of Oasis being slugs because they represent of more of the same and increased commercialism of the fringe and so I question where do I fit in society as an alt act, when people are getting more adverse to risk (or that there are people cashing in on nostalgia).
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
It is the direct semi sequel to last year's cult show “Moving on… really really slowly”, but the spiritual successor of my work in behavioural problems. The successes of both years meant the iron has got really hot and this is the year I must strike and strike to hammer at success.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I have done over 20 previews this year and more festivals I have not previously performed at including the Cambridge Fringe, Durham Fringe and Ventnor Fringe. I got to return to the Hastings Fringe as well.
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 would like to say fish but I feel that would be way too inexpensive and stinky so I probably go for spinach.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
Multiple portable power banks so I can keep my kit and phone fully charged.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
I win the Malcom Hardee award for Comic Originality, I win the Actually Autistic Excellence award. I get over 6 reviews which are either 5 or 4 stars.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
Plenty - Nate Kitch , Molly and Paul are doing Heron Foods at monkey Barrell, consignia (note you have to like really dadaesque anti comedy) , Lil Wenker , Viggo Venn, Andrew O'Neil, Phil Green , Bec Hill , ACMS.
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
When I lived in Scotland and not doing comedy I really liked the zoo, the city should be proud of that. (I really like animals).
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
surreal , anarchic , lettuce , defiance , memorable
What keeps you inspired?
Injustice in society
Consuming a lot of comedy
My friends in comedy
Being told by two of my heroes I am a good comedian and one of them also adding that the work am doing is interesting (though batshit insane) was really validating and inspirational. The second one (who called me interesting though unhinged) I won't name but he was on Taskmaster. That night I went home and wept so hard I was shaking. Also getting recognised by the great Dan Kitson and seeing him smile as I approached in disbelief that I had walked into a dream meant everything to me.
And that even after 3 years people still talk about beekake (I got an audience members to waterboard me with honey).
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
I want them to go away with the memory that I am truly an incomparable act and that the Fringe is the play pen of my peers who push the boundaries and produce the truly amazing and work that connects with something visceral and primal
I wish for them to change how they approach and consume comedy and starve a parasitic algorithmic industry like the cancer on society that it is.
When and where can people see the show?
22:30 Potterow @wee container with Hoots 7th to 31st August.
Tickets are available from https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/stephen-catling-clown-fish-out-of-water
Post a Comment