It is festival season and that means that in the next month there is so many great comedy festivals to look forward to! This month we are looking at some of the great shows that you can see at the Edinburgh Fringe. So take note because we are going to give you all the information you need for just a handful of some of the great shows happening this year!
Bi-Curious George: Snail Trail
Location: Below at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33)
Dates: Aug 5th-17th, 19th-31st
Time: 15:00
Price: £12 Concessions £10
Ticket Link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bi-curious-george-snail-trail
Hello! Tell us all about your show!
Snail Trail is a drag-comedy all about queer bodies, ugliness, slime, testosterone, sensuality and being a pest-told from the point of view of snail me Its about living in body that conflicts with the world around you. It’s about revelling in the sticky oozing slimy bits of existence and finding the joy in being repulsive. It’s a manifesto for the pests and the creepy crawlies among us and It’s an invitation to slow down and touch and taste and feel and rub all up against the world, and to leave a shiny shimmering trail wherever you go.
“Why snails??” I hear you wonder – well, snails are hermaphrodites, their mating involves injecting each other with hormones which help to decide who will carry the eggs. Which is pretty queer… and once started learning more about them, the parallels just kept on coming. Learning about these weird little slimy guys unlocked a lot of discoveries about my own relationship with my body. And it’s a journey which I’m very much currently still on. The show is me figuring it all out and shifting and changing in front of, and with the audience.
At a time when the trans community is so often othered and even demonised, I wanted to show the soft, gentle, joyous side of our lives and remind everyone that we are just people, with all the doubts and mess and confusion that comes with that. All while in a snail costume, naturally. Ultimately, Snail Trail asks why, if we greet the animal kingdom with wonder and curiosity, do we struggle to extend that same generosity to our fellow humans? It’s slimy, it’s playful, there’s some utterly ridiculous bits, there’s some really moving bits, and there’s even some sexy bits – in a show about snails?? I know – you’ll have to see it to believe it.
What other acts are you looking forward to seeing at the fringe?
I’m excited to see Hotter Projects new show, Ham. And I’m thrilled that Cinemadrome by Cabbage the Clown is back for a short run because I missed it last year and it looks bonkers and beautiful. I’ve also already seen a WIP of Trans People are Awful by Ros Watt and I can’t wait to see how it’s developed – it’s going to be a hit.
Have you done the fringe before?
What are the key pieces of advice you have been given or would give to new groups or people performing at the fringe. Yes, I did my show Queer Planet in 2024 and had the absolute best time. My main piece of advice (a boring obvious one) would just be to be kind to yourself, and try and keep it fun. It’s obviously exhausting, performing every day, but we’re so unbelievably lucky to get to do it and it’s easy to forget that amongst all the pressure and stress. And go and see stuff! The best way to not get too wrapped up in your own head is to go and watch what everyone else is doing and get all excited and giddy about theatre and comedy and peoples work. And I guess if you can find time between all of that, sleep is good too.
Talk us through your daily routine for a day at the Fringe
Most days, I’ll try and fit in seeing something before heading to the Pleasance Courtyard for my show at 3pm – otherwise I’ll just end up spending all morning gearing myself up and getting stressed. Or, if I’m a bit showed out, I like to try and explore some of Edinburgh, go for a walk, head to an area a bit out of town for a coffee, explore all the great vintage or book shops. Last time I even went to the coast to see a puffin colony!
Then at around 12:30pm I’ll find a well lit mirror, usually in a toilet to be honest – high glam – to do my drag makeup and start getting ready for some pre show flyering and then of course, the show itself. This year I’ll definitely have to pop home for a shower straight after… without giving too much away, l’ll be a bit (a lot) slimy by the end of the show.
And then the evenings are when any semblance of a routine absolutely flies out the window – I’m quite excitable and tend to get swept up in all the energy. Last time round it was very rare for me to be in bed before 2am… but I’ve hit my thirties now so those boundless energy days are possibly slightly behind me…possibly.
Ok, where is your favourite place to eat at the Fringe?
You probably hear this one a lot because it’s a bit of a Fringe staple but Mosque Kitchen – cheap, buzzy atmosphere, delicious quick meal. But must also give a shout out to El falafel, right by Bristo Square, very friendly staff and perfect ending to many a long night.
Best thing about performing at the fringe?
Seeing everyone in their element! We performers so rarely get to just do what we do best for so many days in a row and it’s incredible to get to see people really finding their stride. I love getting to peer through this little window into someone’s brain, see what they’ve chosen to make work about and be let into what makes them tick; people are so wonderfully strange! You also learn things about yourself and your work that you can only learn from having to do so many shows in a row, in front of so many varied audiences – it’s honestly magic.
Do you bring anything special from home to make it feel more special whilst you are away?
She has to come anyway because she’s my co-star but Michelle, which is the name I’ve given to my beautiful snail shell costume, feels like a little piece of home coming with me. I live on a narrowboat in London, and this giant foam snail shell has pride of place as soon as you come in the door, so seeing her everyday feels a bit like being at home.
What are your best hacks to save money whilst at the Fringe?
Food prep – once you’re out and about, you’ll probably be dashing around watching shows, bumping into people, no time to go home and cook. Everyone will be very impressed and jealous when you pull your little pre-made sandwich or pasta out of your bag while they’re all forking out for chips or a meal deal on the go.
If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?
I’m on instagram – @bi.curious.george_drag
And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?
Joyful, surprising, celebration.
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