FISH is far more than you might expect from a show promoted as a one-woman clown performance. Without giving too much away, what starts as a flawless piece of slapstick comedy evolves into a question about the human experience, leaving you feeling more connected and hopeful than ever.
Funmi gives a sensational performance as a humanoid fish-clown woman who is both enamoured by humanity and seemingly exhausted by it – quite a reflection of how we all feel, I must add. The first 40 minutes are filled with non-stop laughs; Funmi certainly knows how to interact with the audience and is extremely skilled at creating moments that keep you enthralled in both the madness and genius of the comedy. Each second will have you anticipating what direction she’ll take the performance next, creating a fresh and unique experience.
Funmi is truly an amazing up-and-coming comedic talent and deserves all the praise that she receives. Her facial expressions, especially her piercing eye contact, could have the most stern audience member cracking a smile, something which is truly a gift when it comes to physical comedy. However, the power of the final 20 minutes is where this show really shines in its nuance. I won’t spoil how Funmi pierces through the veil of the performance to address many important issues, including her own self-doubts and fears, but she does so in such a dignified and powerful way. Without ruining the first half of her performance, she addresses how comedy can be more than a distraction, and although laughing is important, it’s equally as important to open your eyes to the things we don’t need distracting from and that are the reasons we carry on living in these absurd times.
If you’re swimming upstream on George Street, then make sure you splash your cash on a ticket to this unforgettable performance.
Reviewer: Joe Lang
Reviewed: 22nd August 2025
North West End UK Rating: