Presented by Bi-Curious George

Review by Harri Dimdore-Miles

Below at Pleasance Courtyard

Snail Trail is part animal-based clowning, part personal story telling and all parts earnest. Animal enthusiast and drag king Bi-Curious George has a new show and it focuses solely on the life of the snail. The production is a love letter to the slimy ‘pests’, drawing a sea of insightful comparisons between the lives of these mollusks with the lives of trans folk in today’s climate.

The show is both educational and heart-warming. George’s passion for animals is unmistakable, they seem genuinely fascinated by the minutiae of the animal kingdom – large and small. In Snail Trail we learn a plethora of compelling facts about the lives of snails.

For instance, the technical word for a snail’s movement is a gallop and they sometimes gallop in the wake of another snail’s trail to reduce effort expended on moving. Each of these interesting factoids is accompanied by well thought out clown like reconstructions or exaggerations of said feature in both captivating, grotesque and sometimes sexual ways.

The sections where George’s shell comes off and he speaks candidly about his transitioning experience are poetic and raw. He powerfully draws parallel between snails and the new joy he has found in being still and slow in a body he is now happy to sit in. George shares various other reflection of such sort in the sincerest and most satisfied manner. It is a joy to watch George speak his truth.

The music, makeup and costume all feels very nostalgic. Even the way George speaks and sings, has an ere of old-timyness about it. In the age of fringe shows being packed with loud bangs, bright costumes and thick fast jokes ‘Snail Trial’ is a moment to slow down take a breath and listen, something that many frantic fringe goers would likely appreciate.

This is ‘Snail Trail’s’ first time at the fringe, and it definitely could be refined before being brought back again. It would benefit from a stronger plot to stretch this character over an hour, otherwise the script can get preoccupied and static. Whilst the learning is truly charming aspect of the show, we need a little more to stay invested in a story and a character than simply ‘getting to know’ them. The show is certainly heart-warming, but with more focus on variety it could really evoke a broader range of emotions. There is serious potential in this show, the premise is strong, and George is undoubtedly a talented storyteller, singer, and physical comedian. With greater time and direction ‘Snail Trail’ will be a must-see show.

---