ED FRINGE 2023 REVIEW | Wasteman
★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Emmie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Joe Leather’s semi-autobiographical is a celebration of identity and queerness that shouldn’t be missed during its run at the Ed Fringe. Drawing on influences from his time working as a refuge worker during lockdown whilst still performing his passion, drag on Zoom, Wasteman will be a production that stays with you long after the final bow. Of course, whilst he struts around proudly outside of of his job; we begin to unearth his ongoing battles with self-esteem, especially when he works in a workplace dominated by man.
Leather’s approach to his story is heartwarming from the beginning and it is well structured. As an audience member, I was completely carried along on Joe’s story, which constantly transported between past and future for us to piece together his journey. I loved the introduction of modern references and how he used props to help him execute the story.
We understand at he start, Joe incurred an injury before the start of his Edinburgh run. This didn’t distract us from lapping every opportunity to be in their presence and the conclusion of the story beautifully rounded off this production.
At Assembly George Square Studios until August 28.
