EdFringe Talk: Merlesque: How an Adult Woman Became a Mermaid

Posted in *EdFestivals 2026, *Written Interviews by

“A year ago I decided to become a mermaid. I was working in policy when Trump was elected and our funding was rescinded.”

WHO: Elle Rochford

WHAT: “Merlesque is ultimately a tale about a tail. Dr Elle Rochford is a policy expert uprooted by America’s 2024 presidential election. Finding her PhD useless in a dry job market, Elle decides to get wet. A real fish out of water epic, Merlesque is the true story of how she transformed from a statistician into a birthday party mermaid. Because sometimes all you can do is lean into the absurdity, challenge fascism, and keep treading water.”

WHERE: Haldane Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (Venue 53) 

WHEN: 21:35 (50 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes! I have family in Scotland but I’ve never been to Edinburgh. I still can’t believe I’m on my way to perform at the biggest comedy festival in the world!

I can’t imagine a better place to premiere a show. Edinburgh Fringe is unlike any other festival in terms of scale and reputation. It’s THE place to see people and shows before they become household names. I can’t wait to be inspired by the new and experimental work. Meeting comedians and performers from around the world is almost as exciting as getting to do my show.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

A year ago I decided to become a mermaid. I was working in policy when Trump was elected and our funding was rescinded. During my job hunt a friend of friend referred me to mermaiding. She worked as a birthday party mermaid and explained how to get started. It was a huge departure from anything I’d ever done but after taking improv classes I’ve really embraced a “yes and” mentality. I’ve been saying yes to big, absurd dreams. Why not dive in to a new adventure?

Tell us about your show.

My show is the true story of how I went from a statistician to a birthday party mermaid. I had big plans to get a little house, a dog, and start my family but life and American politics got in the way. Now I’m a mermaid comedian, a real clownfish and I’m taking my story to Edinburgh Fringe. My producer Emily Nevins is a talented performer in her own right. We met while I was working on Outlaugh a comedy competition show with the rules of the tv show Survivor. The creator of Outlaugh, Jared Laxer, is the assistant producer of Merlesque. Jared and I met when I competed on Outlaugh. I was immediately eliminated but began working behind the scenes. Now Jared and I coproduce shows in New York City. Merlesque is premiering at Fringe and I plan to run it in New York in the fall.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

I am the cohost of Outlaugh: Edinburgh, a comedy show with the rules of the tv show Survivor! Outlaugh will be doing a six day run. Twelve comedians, six shows, one winner. I’ll be guest starring one night on Lil’ Miss Kate Ward of the State is live 1930s radio play about a precocious and adventurous orphan. Each show will have a new story and new guest stars so it’s worth checking out more than once. I also highly recommend Kento’s Japanese Grandma Funeral. Kento balances grief and absurdity with this toughing clown show. Can’t get enough mermaid content? Check out Eleanor Morton’s show The Mermaid.

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