(3 / 5)

Bi-curious George the drag king, is back again with more theatre based on nature. This time, moving on from an array of animals, George has decided to focus on the humble Snail and I for one came away well informed!

Bi-Curious George: Snail Trail in a comedic drag king act meets reflective piece on transitioning. We firstly expect this to be a full-blown cabaret/drag king act, with the snail as the main focus, as they come on the stage, sllloowwllyy and with a giant snail shell on their back. They interact with us throughout, telling the story of the snail but also themselves, in the most endearing and friendly fashion that we soon feel like close friends. 

George does well to change the tempo and play with our feelings from comedy, to camp cabaret and then personal and very vulnerable moments. We learn intimately about the formation and life of the snail, which I never thought I would be so fascinated by. Thrown in are some exaggerated and humanised elements to bring humour and relatability. But soon there are moments when the shell comes off and they unveil themselves and their journey through transitioning. George is entirely loveable and these moments connect us, whether we can resonate or not. Soon, the comparison to the snail, the “coming out of your shell” phrasing, all makes sense and we soon see why George loves this little creature so much, especially through their personal journey. 

This is a relatively new show and some honing is still needed. Moments which could have been cut down or sharpened slightly but this is all part of theatre and creating art. We already know that with a bit more time, George will have this as sheer perfection like their last show. 

Bi-Curious George: Snail Trail is a raw and honest production, with moments of comedy and one hell of a giant handmade shell.