Stephen Catling: Clownfish Out Of Water

Stephen Catling

Genre: Comedy Duration: 55 mins Price: £7 (+ booking fee) Age: 16yrs +

When clowns can't breathe water and fish can't breathe air- what's a poor clownfish to do in this cruel world?

In 2025, Catling ( Keep it fringe award winner 2023 & Malcolm Hardee Award Nominee 2023 & 2025) lost his slug mask. It was an essential part of his hit show ‘Moving on...really really slowly.’

This time, Stephen explores his life now that Autism has been “unmasked,” as well as his fin flapping rage against an increasingly soulless entertainment industry who knows what is going to be in store? A burlesque performing cabbage/lettuce? A rendition of Robbie Williams musical biopic Betterman but they casted a real chimp? Rage against the machine (Generative AI)?

Disclaimer: The show is not going to be about a literal clownfish or finding nemo. A colleague back in his lab days described him lovingly as psychotic Mighty Boosh and The British comedy guide called him “A bucking bronco of surrealism and scruffiness” if this sounds like your bag welcome aboard the crazy train.

Reviews:

“A delectable, messy and wild amuse-bouche of zany absurdist comedy” ***** The Crumb

“His absurdist performance is a joy and a masterclass in play” **** The Neurodiverse review

“an intelligent man” **** Londontheatre1

"Fans of Harry Hill will appreciate the quickfire absurdity of the hour, cascading with daft jokes, preposterous props and manic sound effects. " Chortle

"His delivery is brilliantly playful" Everything Theatre

“This is a very different voice on the comedy circuit and one it is important to hear from.” Brighton and Hove news

"Magnificently irreverent...charming and utterly bonkers " The Review Hub

"Everything from silly one-liners, to props, to a surprisingly raw honesty that cuts through the surrealness like a knife" Fringe Fry Up

"He’s an interesting performer....I’d definitely like to see him again" Beyond the Joke (Bruce Dessau)