American comedian & actor Kelly McCaughan returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with her sold out 2023 Edinburgh Fringe hit ‘Catholic Guilt’. 

Through a blend of stand-up and clowning, ‘Catholic Guilt’ transports you into the mind and childhood of Kelly McCaughan as she navigates the seemingly impossible standards of the Catholic Church, taking you through the most poignant events of her strict upbringing. She indoctrinates the audience the same as she was indoctrinated, beginning with her education into the cleansing power of holy water, and the many landmines of sin that posed an ever-present existential threat to her soul! 

In this daring and immersive production, McCaughan will make you laugh and sin while fearlessly challenging the deep-rooted sensibilities surrounding Catholicism. She will unpack everything from losing your virginity, to abortion, to mortal sin and its consequences and more.  ‘Catholic Guilt’ offers a poignant, subversive, and hilarious exploration of the impossible standards imposed by the Church!

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in this rules-based world, Kelly takes for granted the basic Catholic tenets and truisms. Holy water is clean. Always goes to church on Sundays. If you die with a mortal sin on your heart, you go to Hell.  In second grade, Kelly is told that she must prepare to literally eat Jesus’s body and blood, which she can’t do without first having a clean soul. And so the education begins…

The Ten Commandments and other Catholic rules are juxtaposed against the reality of what it feels like growing up as a woman. Kelly explores her forbidden sexuality putting her relatable childhood anxiety on full display. Can she masturbate in the eyes of God? Is it okay for her to notice that Jesus, whose bare and muscular body is splayed on the cross, is … well, sexy? As Kelly wrestles with these temptations she learns that she must stifle these thoughts and mask her sexuality so not to cause “impure thoughts”.

As she ages, Kelly attempts to reconcile her need to express herself and her sexuality with her desire to avoid being damned to Hell for eternity. 

Kelly McCaughan’s ‘Catholic Guilt’ is at the Underbelly: Bristo Square – Clover Room @ 10pm for tickets go to www.edfringe.com

What is the last thing you do before you go onstage (apart from check your flies and/or check your knickers aren't sticking out of your skirt and check for spinach between your teeth) 

The last thing I do before I go out onstage is pick a person that I want to dedicate my show to. I've been doing this for years before every single live performance. I don't like the feeling of it being all about me because performing is so much more than that. It's about connecting to an audience and trying to get through to people somehow. It's my way of expressing gratitude and appreciation to people who have helped me along the way or have had some kind of impact on me.

What irritates you? 

I am really irritated by adult bullying. I can't believe the amount that still goes on as an adult, especially in show business. That brings me to my second irritation: egomaniacs. I've dealt with my fair share of egomaniacs and I can sniff them out from a mile away. I also can't stand loud chewers, and close talkers. 

What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done? 

My fringe show is one of the most dangerous things I've done! The subject matter is very taboo and I do not hold back at all. I knew/know that it has the potential to be very polarizing and I take really big risks in it. I'd also say that driving in Philadelphia is one of the most dangerous things I've ever done (and continue to do). The driving there is insane! I change into a different person when I drive. It's a survival tactic, really.

What is the most stupid thing you have ever done? 

When I was in high school I was at an afterparty for a dance and we were all doing shots. My friends and I had the brilliant idea to take their parent's car (they were not home) out for a drive. There was a specific moment that I remember the car almost going into a ditch but whoever was driving managed to keep us on the road. I'm sorry mom and dad. I'm alive and well. 

What has surprised you the most during your career in comedy?

The thing that has surprised me the most is how much fun I had at my first Fringe. I was expecting for it all to be too overwhelming, but it turned out to be the most energizing experience of my life. I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun I had flyering and how much I couldn't wait to do my show every night. I also sold out my run and was nominated for best newcomer! That was a major surprise. I'm hoping to be surprised again! 

Interview continues here