Zoe Wohlfeld is an American clown and theatre maker with a background in classical theatre. From 2015 to 2020, Zoe worked in American regional theatre, then moved to France in 2022 to study at École Philippe Gaulier. After earning her certificate, Zoe moved to London and began producing original work with her partner, Jack. Together, they created the live-directed melodrama/clown show ‘A Night of Drama’, which has run for the past three years to sold-out rooms with up to 130 seats in the US and UK. August see Zoe bring her debut show ‘Dog Funeral’ to the Fringe. We spoke to her about the show, her inability to cry on stage, and her expectations that the show may be a little divisive.

Can you tell us about ‘Dog Funeral’?

‘Dog Funeral’ is a funeral for my childhood dog. It’s also a solo comedy show! It’s an (absurd) ode to loss, dogs, and the loss of dogs. It explores what it’s like to watch someone mourn: how they behave, how they might treat others and what happens when they’re in the midst of grappling with comprehending loss and the existential dread that comes with it. Did I mention that it’s also a comedy?

For those who might be unfamiliar with you, how would you describe your comedy and your approach to performance?

I’m a clown with an absurd and demented sense of humor. My favorite bits are always the ones that will never happen the same way twice and when the audience doesn’t really know why they’re laughing. My comedy is scripted and theatrical but there’s lots of improvisation and audience interaction in there too!

What response are you expecting from your audiences given watching people mourn is inherently uncomfortable?

I’m expecting this show to be pretty polarizing. I think it will really resonate with some folks and others might find it strange or unsettling. In my experience with the show so far, the content can definitely be discomforting for some, but for many the absurdity of the execution breaks through that discomfort. Though, I will say that talking about the show this way may give a false impression of how tormented and divisive it is, because it is a very silly comedy! Many people who love the show still end up hating one joke that is another person’s absolute favorite, and I find those little things end up being much more polarizing for audiences than the themes of grief and mourning. The topic is sensitive, but I am confident that for most audience members it will be an uplifting experience, all told.

What was the inspiration for the show?

My inability to cry real tears on stage. As a failed Shakespearean actress, this used to bring me great shame. I wanted to make a show about crying and mourning and performing big feelings on stage. I thought it would be a good way to get over this shame! The specific topic of a dog’s funeral came around later, and the show has changed hugely since its inception. I still can’t cry real tears, but I’ve found some ways around that in this show 😉

What are your hopes for the show? What would constitute a successful Fringe for you?

Finding my audience! It would always be great to get more work and attention, but especially while I am there, I only really care about filling the room and making them happy. And not losing too much money. That’s the dream.

What for you about the best and worst things about the Fringe?

Best thing: Getting to perform 25 times in a row. I’m really excited to see how my show (and me!) change and grow over the month.

Worst thing: I get tired, sick, and maybe sometimes (a little) cranky. My director/boyfriend takes major issue with my wording here but he will have to accept me as I am.

Besides the show, can we expect to see you performing elsewhere during August; guest spots, compilation shows, etc?

Yes! I will be doing some guest spots on some of my favorite line up shows — Naughty Cabaret, Gutter, and ACMS, to name a few!

Are there any other shows/ performers at the Fringe that you would recommend?

There are too many! Go see:

Chris Martin Lied to Us, Piotr Sikora, Alex Franklin, Mr Cardboard, ‘Dirty Work‘ (if you didn’t last year!), “Be Good!” with Paulette (if you didn’t last year!)

‘Dog Funeral’ is at Jelly Belly at Underbelly, Cowgate from Wed 5 to Sun 30 Aug 2026