Review: Moving On… Really, Really Slowly, EdFringe
The Laughing Horse at The Counting House
Novel, neurodivergent, nonsense humour with more than a hint of slime.
Summary
Rating
Good
Comedian Stephen Catling hits the stage slithering, with a ridiculous slug-eyed headband signalling the theme of his standup hour, Moving On… Really Really Slowly. It’s apparent from the start that this is going to be an unusual show…
Catling tells us that he is autistic, and this brings a wealth of unusual and entertaining angles to his observation of life (occasionally through slug eyes). The evening wraps loosely around tales of splitting up with both an ex-fiancée and another girlfriend, as well as how he has moved on from some quite traumatic (and some less so) incidents. Also dealing with depression, his progress is slow, which is why he likens himself to a slug. There’s some excellent observational humour about gastropods, which reveals an intelligent and entertaining tendency for precise, compulsive research; this then creates the space for Catling to explain a great deal about autistic behaviours, providing some very interesting insight to an audience perhaps not familiar with this level of detail about his condition. It’s also brilliant to see mainstream representation of autistic creatives in this way.
His best moments lean into this uniqueness, as he considers things in a highly literal way, producing some very funny comparisons and perceptions, and his delivery is brilliantly playful. We’re also treated to rather bizarre puppetry with Lion King-based audience interaction (consensual, of course!). Indeed, Catling’s relationship with his audience (some of whom are clearly repeat attendees) is a joy – his response to the audience’s participation is really friendly and authentic, as he actually listens to what they have to tell him and responds enthusiastically.
There’s a lot to like about the show, including a great soundtrack that keeps energy levels high, loads of pop culture references, and a man with owls for hands making a cup of coffee. That being said, it’s not what I’d call polished and would benefit from a little work on its structure. However, if you like zany, off the wall comedy and sketches, this is the show for you! I loved it and can’t wait to see where Catling’s career goes.
Moving On… Really, Really Slowly plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Free Festival until Sunday 24 August at Laughing Horse at The Counting House.
