Multi award-winning queer circus artist, Christopher McAuley, makes his solo debut at Dublin Fringe Festival 2025 with the world premiere of Itch - a deeply personal, wildly funny, and unapologetically honest journey through his own chronic eczema, queer identity, and the flaky mess of being human. Christopher introduces Itch below...
Biological washing powder. Down pillows. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol. Nightshades. Dogs. Wool. Gluten. Trees. Stress. Just a few things I tried cutting out in the long pursuit of curing my atopic eczema - a condition I've lived with since birth. Over the years, I've done everything to manage it. Eventually, I gave up the idea of "curing" myself and started embracing—maybe even loving—this side of me.
This September, I'll premiere my solo show, Itch, at Dublin Fringe Festival, where I unpack identity through the lens of eczema. Part autobiographical theatre, part circus, Itch leads audiences toward queer, radical self-acceptance.
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Listen: Christopher McAuley talks to RTÉ Arena
But truthfully? I'm not sure I’ve fully accepted my body. I’ve come a long way, but acceptance feels like a daily decision. I think back to my school days in Belfast - the whispers about my dandruff, the awkward sports lessons that put my sores on display. It’s no wonder my self-image was warped. I felt broken, like I came off the conveyor belt with a defect.
(Pic: Ajuna Braunschweiger)
As a queer kid, I wanted to hide. Then, at 12, I found circus. Being on stage brought me joy, and more importantly, it made me proud of what my body could do. I had eczema, but I could also somersault, do the splits, and fly on a trapeze. Circus celebrates the alternative, and I knew then I'd work in this world forever.
My hope is that by standing in my truth, I make space for others to do the same.
It wasn’t always easy. I’ve been hospitalised multiple times for my skin, and my eczema ranged from moderate to severe. There were sleepless nights, days of limited mobility, and long stretches when training felt impossible. These days, my skin has settled - but it’s still here. As I type, I can see the sores on my hands and forearms. Eczema is part of me. Today, my skin’s about a 6 out of 10. Tomorrow it might be a 5, or a 7. It will always fluctuate. And that’s okay.
Itch gives voice to anyone who’s ever felt "other." It balances comedy with vulnerability, inviting laughter, reflection, and with luck, a bit of healing.
The response has been overwhelming. Audience members have said they felt seen, especially those with visible differences. Eczema often invites shame and hiding, and through this show, I aim to celebrate the body exactly as it is. Creating Itch revealed parts of myself I hadn’t fully accepted. It pushed me creatively and personally. Yes, the show includes nudity ,and learning to be at ease with that took time. But I wanted to show eczema unfiltered. To be seen, completely, and allow audiences to look—really look—without judgement. That process taught me a lot about shame. About shedding it. My hope is that by standing in my truth, I make space for others to do the same. To see themselves as beautiful, powerful, capable bodies.
I can’t wait to share Itch with you. Expect laughter, a touch of emotion, and maybe even a sausage roll or two.
Itch runs at Smock Alley Theatre, The Boys School from 9-13 September, as part of Dublin Fringe Festival 2025 - find out more here
