Nominated not just once, but twice for the Malcolm Hardee Award, Steven Catling is crossing his fins that this could be his year. One of the true originals of the Fringe Catling explains his piscine disguise is all about feeling like a fish out of water in an out of kilter world.
His show Clown Fish Out of Water is at Hoots Potterow at 22.30, from August 7 – 31.
Tell us about your show
A surrealist, fin-flapping romp sparked by losing my slug mask en route to watch friend and fellow comedian the magical Edy Hurst (he is a warlock who can summon Venga boys). It explores life with my autism completely “unmasked,” mixed with rage against a soulless, capitalistic entertainment industry.
Why should we go and see it?
I’m a two-time Malcolm Hardee Award nominee for Comic Originality. Chortle noted you’ll see things “you definitely won’t experience anywhere else in comedy,” and Everything Theatre said, “You’ll laugh cos he’s bonkers… there’s actually no-one else quite like him.” Expect Oasis reduced to slug hysteria, an asthmatic clownfish, and a burlesque cabbage. If SNL UK hired me, I could produce the Mr Blobby sketch on tap and show just what a surrealist can do with a modest budget—but seriously, I am really proud of my peers, such as Jack Shep (who I have gigged with before he got big) and Alex Nash, whom the latter I studied with at Soho Theatre, for getting on it and doing Excellent work. Gentlemen, I salute you.
What is your favourite thing about your show?
The expanding unpredictable show lore. An elderly lady in Buxton recently insisted I bless her with the cross and “Simba” her forehead with shaving foam. She clearly thinks the afterlife is a 50/50 split between Jesus and Mufasa. I love bringing out the unhinged in audiences.
What three words best describe your performance style – and why?
Surrealist maximum world-builder. I use stand-up, clowning, props, and a sonically chaotic cacophony to recreate how I perceive the world through autistic hyperstimulation. It’s a rollercoaster without seatbelts—my reality crushes this one like the dark depths of the ocean.
Do you have a Fringe idol?
Masters of subverting standard comedy structures like Frankie Monroe, Jordan Brookes, Bec Hill, Nate Kitch, Mark Dean Quinn, Elf Lyons, and Andrew O’Neill.
Who are you looking forward to seeing in Edinburgh?
Molly and Paul Try Heron Foods: Goodbye Stretford. They are great friends whose creativity I deeply admire, especially Paul’s dedication to hyper-specific supermarket material.
What do you hope to achieve in Edinburgh – what are your hopes and dreams?
To win the Malcolm Hardee Award. People call it ambitious, but 1) I’ve been nominated twice before 2) not with that attitude!
I also want great reviews, a Soho Theatre run.
Failing that, I would like to start a cult or revolution where we feed the rich to the fishes (which is me; I want to eat the rich).
What are the biggest obstacles you face as a performer at the Fringe?
Late-stage capitalism and predatory landlords charging redonkulous rents. It forces the festival from an artistic, anarchic meritocracy into an elitist financial oligarchy, which I utterly despise.
What do you hope the audience will take away after an hour in your company?
They will wake up the next morning to a world that feels entirely different and yet exactly the same.
How do you plan to relax and recharge when not on stage?
Catching other acts and finding quiet spots to sit down and chat with friends I adore being with my people.
What is your idea of a perfect Fringe day?
The solo show smashes it, new five-star reviews land, I chat with comedy heroes, eat well, make a lot of money, and finally sleep. Repeat until September.
Steven Catling: Clown Fish Out of Water, 22.30, Hoots Potterow, August 7 – 3o
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/stephen-catling-clown-fish-out-of-water
