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Always, Sometimes, Maybe

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 4 Published: 19 Aug 2025 Greenside @ Riddles Court Show Dates: 1 Aug 2025-23 Aug 2025

Always, Sometimes, Maybe is the clown show I’ve been looking for all Fringe. Subtle, gentle, energetic, funny, with just a hint of sadness and a perspective that keeps the audience riveted. I frequently found myself leaning in, even as it felt the principal performer was reaching back to seek connection.

Exceptionally entertaining clowning

Michele Stine mainly depicts an endearing janitor who turns trash into treasure and makes the mundane into art. With the aid of puppets, also made from cast-offs, and well-tuned miming, they give life to the remaining cast. It all comes together in a giggle-worthy spectacle that will have you smiling fondly as you leave, and perhaps taking a chance on new friends. It is not grand or heavy on effects, but the best clowning isn’t – and this is top-tier clowning full of soul. Mixing the frantic with the gentle, loudness with softness, we get a fun-filled show with room for tremendous depth.

The show begins simply, with a headtorch providing the only illumination, before clap-on lights startle the clown by revealing the audience. We walk through the day-to-day of a lonesome janitor, who doesn’t initially seem sad. In fact, the performance is upbeat throughout, if a little timid at times. You can tell from the earnestness of the character that they desperately want to share their findings and favourites – especially with the children in the audience, who were immediately engaged in helping sort loot from leavings in the pile of rubbish. By the end they’re almost conducting surgery, such is the sense of trust and comfort that Stine creates with their expressive features and joyful manner.

As we explore deeper, we find things that Stine and their characters struggle with – making friends, or even small talk for two. It somehow manages to stay fun even as we share tender moments of what it feels like to be a little different. The latter half of the show reads like a love letter to the neurodiverse and to those who struggle with acting “normal” when that doesn’t come easily. Without ever using labels such as autistic or ADHD, Stine gives a beautiful and vulnerable performance of what it is to exist outside the norm, the struggles that entails, and the reassurance that it is okay regardless of how difficult it may be day to day. It leads by implication, tugging heartstrings by leaving much unsaid. It doesn’t need to be said – it is written large in everything depicted.

Always, Sometimes, Maybe is exceptionally entertaining clowning. It isn’t too on the nose with its message, but rewards those paying close attention.

Amir Nisi

Ross Anthony

Ross is an experienced hand managing music festivals & events across Scotland and beyond - giving him a wide experience of performances of all stripes. His background is in marketing Scotland's wilderness and Edinburgh's nightlife, which means he knows the best nooks and crannies across the country to get lost in!

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A solo clown show about a janitor who finds herself in front of an audience. Left with nothing but her fear, some trash and a stage, she tries to find the cure for loneliness! Always, Sometimes, Maybe is a story about desperation, feeling alone and ultimately finding a community using dance, puppetry and a sprinkle of magic. All ages are welcome to dive into the trash!
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