Beehavioural Problems: Something Something Autism
Ed Fringe 2023
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Ed Fringe 2023 -
Edinburgh fringe can often feel like an oversaturated market, between the thousands of floating head comedy flyers advertising quality laughs, or the tenth improv show offering a slight twist on the classic formula, it can often be hard to find something truly unique that stands out amongst an endless sea of comedy, theatre and music. A show like Beehavioural problems: Something Something Autism, offers up a delectable, messy and wild amuse-bouche of zany absurdist comedy that will whet your fringe appetite and give you a taste of the strange.
Stephen Catling presents a masterclass in imperfection, a fragmented journey through his wonderful mind with a finale that'll have you wanting more of this absurdist gem. Stephens unapologetic confidence takes you on twists and turns through a fractured narrative detailing his own personal journey with autism. Littered amongst the anecdotes and awkward small talk are a slew of absolutely bat shit insane skits. His unique style of brash, invasive insanity takes centre stage, it is Stephen’s show and what this is all about becomes very clear from the get go.
Did you ever want to be indoctrinated into the church of dog? or perhaps wondered how much yoghurt one can eat with toothpicks? Or how working in an industrial bakery can cause you to face a truly bittersweet ending? Well, it's all here and much more that I couldn't possibly detail without spoiling any more great gags.
It's not all weird and wonderful however. At the centre of this junkyard of nonsense lies a genuine heartfelt story, at times you find yourself welcomed into moments of solemn contemplation about how Stephen sees himself in the bigger picture, it has a surprising amount of emotional nuance considering it's jam packed with absurdism, clown and of course pouring honey on a man in a bee costume...The usual fringe experience.
Towards the end of the show Stephen challenges the audience to recall the events of what we saw and, in all honesty, a four hundred word review doesn’t do it justice. Simply put, this is a show that has to bee seen to bee beelieved, and I strongly recommend you pick up a ticket to some late night silliness.
Beehavioural Problems: Something Something Autism is on at The Space @ Surgeons Hall on Aug 7-12, 14-26 - tickets available here.
FIVE STARS
Photo by James Mileham
