Frightfest preview: Stitches Simon Fitzjohn August 19, 2012 Features, Film4 Frightfest 2038 Clowns have always been a staple of the horror genre – think Stephen King’s It, or even Killer Klowns From Outer Space. Well, taking that set-up in a slasher direction is helmer Conor McMahon with his effort Stitches. Starring stand-up comic Ross Noble as sleazy clown Richard Grindle, this Irish flick is black comedy at its best. When Grindle (or Stitches as he is known) turns up late to a kid’s birthday party, things take a sinister turn when a prank goes horribly wrong, leaving the clown toast. Fast-forward a few years, and the kids meet up again for another party, but could the spirit of Stitches possibly return to claim some revenge? I think you know answer to that, so if you fancy some red-nosed murderous mischief, Stitches screens at Frightfest on Friday, August 24.