← Back to Main Site
Solo Comedy Show — 60 Minutes — Available for Booking

Murmuration

"A Starling is Born"
BBC Writers Room — Final Round Edinburgh Fringe 2025 60 Minutes Solo Performer 7 Fringe Festivals Ages 14+
Synopsis

The Show

Something beautiful is broken. Rumour and misinformation is on the wing. A man, isolated by technology, finds friendship in the sky — and must fight to protect it.

Isolated by technology, a man finds an unexpected escape in the beauty of nature. Swept away in a murmuration of 38,000 starlings led by the matriarch Stella, he finds friendship, support and freedom.

However, it's not long before the technology he thought was on his side turns on him and the murmuration, and now he must find a way to save himself and his new friends.

Blending surreal stand-up, storytelling and character work, Murmuration is a sharp, funny and surprisingly moving hour about isolation, otherness, the dangers of division, and the unexpected places we find connection.

The original script reached the last fifty of the BBC Writersroom and has been developed and refined through performances at seven fringe festivals over three years, culminating in its Edinburgh Fringe debut in August 2025. It is tight, tested, and ready for theatre audiences.

Themes

Isolation & technology · Human connection · AI & data · Nature & wonder · Otherness & belonging · Misinformation

Comparisons

The Mighty Boosh · Steven Wright · Daniel Kitson · Spencer Jones · Ross Noble

Press & Reviews

Critical Reception

"Vertigo is an admirably polished performer. His deliberate pace and laconic deadpan delivery, in the mein of US comedian Steven Wright, take lines that are already clever on the page and give them that extra punch of perfect timing that renders them extraordinary."
FringeReview.co.uk — Edinburgh Fringe 2025
"Murmuration is an enjoyable hour of off-kilter sensibility and sharp observations, with pitch-perfect delivery. It's a worthwhile addition to your Fringe lineup."
FringeReview.co.uk — Edinburgh 2025
"An hour of engaging, innovative and original comedy from an expert comedian who knows how to make his audience laugh."
ComedyToWatch.com — Camden Fringe
"A very clever ludicrousness, immaculately constructed."
Brighton Fringe
"Reminiscent of The Mighty Boosh. Leave logic at the door and be prepared for an hour of splendid nonsense."
Buxton Fringe Review
"Jackonory on drugs..."
Manchester Fringe
"Beautiful writing."
John Higgs
"One of the smartest, funniest, and most heartfelt comedy performances I've seen at The Fringe. Whimsical and smart, Steve is a master of fantastical satire."
Audience Reviews — EdFringe.com
Track Record

Performance History

2025
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Edinburgh Debut - Recommended Show
2024
East Riding Theatre, Beverley
Invited to perform
2024
Brighton Fringe
2024
Camden Fringe, London
2024
Buxton Fringe
2023
Manchester Fringe
2023
Leicester Comedy Festival
2022
BBC Writersroom — Script reached last fifty

Dates approximate — please get in touch for full performance history.

About the Artist

Steve Vertigo

Steve Vertigo is a stand-up comedian and storytelling performer based in London. Originally from Manchester, he trained at Philippe Gaulier's legendary clown school in Paris and is a regular on the London comedy circuit.

His surreal, deadpan style draws comparisons to Steven Wright and The Mighty Boosh. He combines stand-up, physical comedy, character work, animation and digital media in his solo shows, bringing an unusual range to his performances.

Before comedy, Steve spent two decades in the dance music scene as a DJ, and is a digital designer and animator.

His original script for Murmuration reached the last fifty of the BBC Writersroom. He is developing further solo shows and is available for comedy club bookings, festivals and theatre runs across the UK.

Production

Technical & Practical

Duration

60 minutes, no interval

Cast

Solo performer (Steve Vertigo)

Audience

Ages 14+. Works for comedy and theatre audiences alike.

Stage

Flexible — works in studios, black boxes, and larger spaces. Minimal set.

AV

Venue-dependant. Screen/projector for animations and video. Audio playback via PA. Microphone (stand or clip).

Get-In

Minimal. Can set up in under 30 minutes. Full tech spec on request.

Touring

Self-contained. Available UK-wide. Solo performer + minimal luggage.

Marketing

Hi-res images, poster artwork, press quotes, video clips and FringeReview podcast interview all available.

Media

Video & Audio

FringeReview
Murmuration
"A Starling is Born"
Edinburgh Fringe 2025
▶ Podcast

FringeReview Podcast Interview — Paul Levy, Edinburgh 2025

▶

Murmuration — Promo / Live Excerpt

Photos

Production Gallery

Hi-res versions of all images available on request for press and marketing use.

Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Feature image
Murmuration Live
Murmuration Live
Edinburgh Fringe 2025
On Stage
Murmuration — Live
Murmuration Live
On Stage
Murmuration Live
Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Poster / Key Art
Key Art / Poster
Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Promo Shot
Promotional Photography
Booking

Bring Murmuration to Your Venue

Available for theatre runs, festivals and one-off performances. Flexible on terms. Let's talk.

Enquire About Booking

steve@stevevertigo.com · stevevertigo.com

Press kit, high-res images & full tech rider available on request