EdFringe Talk: Wasteman

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“It’s inspired by my time working as a refuse loader over lockdown, while moonlighting as a drag queen on Zoom for my friends and loved ones.”

WHO: Joe Leather

WHAT: “A bin man swaps steel-toed boots for stilettos to chase his dream of becoming a drag queen. This raucous one-person comedy play combines monologue, song and (of course) drag in a love letter to hard-working Northerners and gender euphoria, based on writer Joe Leather’s real-life experiences working as a Refuse Loader through lockdown. ‘An irresistible, uplifting, Northern drag odyssey’ ***** (ToDoList.org.uk). ‘A show that you cannot help but fall in love with’ **** (BroadwayWorld.com). OffFest Finalist 2023.”

WHERE: Assembly George Square Studios – Underground (Venue 17) 

WHEN: 18:00 (60 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

I brought a musical back in 2019 (The Lost Musical Works of Willy Shakes), but this is my first time taking a solo show. I’ve had to become a one-person poster designer, promoter, stage manager, make-up artist and wheelie bin enthusiast… But in Edinburgh, you’re never really alone. You’re part of a huge family of artists, creatives and audience members from all over the world and I’m so excited to experience it again.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

Big lesson from 2022: I should have struck while the iron was hot because the refuse worker strikes would have been amazing promo for a show about a bin-man drag queen… I think what I really learned from 2022 was that simply being able to create art and share your story is an incredible privilege that was taken away from us by the pandemic. I’ve learned it’s so easy to get caught up in the logistics of it all, but it’s just as important to find the joy in creativity and remember why you’re doing what you do in the first place.

Tell us about your show.

Wasteman is the story of a bin-man who dreams of being a drag queen, written and performed by me, Joe Leather. It’s inspired by my time working as a refuse loader over lockdown, while moonlighting as a drag queen on Zoom for my friends and loved ones. It’s an hour-long comedy/drama with original songs, fusing my love of Northern stories, musical theatre and (obviously) drag. The show has run at the Camden Fringe and VAULTs in London, at the Dublin Gay Theatre Festival and Brighton Fringe, and is performing in Manchester and Nottingham before Edinburgh. The reception has been stellar: It’s sold out numerous venues and been nominated for six awards so far, including two Offies, so I can’t wait to showcase it to an Edinburgh Fringe audience.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story (@awkwardprods) because its irreverent zaniness is exactly what the Fringe is about. 16:30 at Pleasance Dome.

Butchered by Expialatrocious (@ExpiAtro) was a real highlight at the VAULTs for me, fusing horror and physical theatre. 17:10 at Underbelly Cowage.

Grown Up Orphan Annie (@KBourneTaylor) is my pick of Twitter this year, an amazing concept and great reviews in the US so far. 18:20 at Gilded Balloon Patterhoose.

Drag and Draw (@Draganddraw) was a team I met in Dublin. They’re bringing such a fresh and brilliant concept, fusing drag performance with life drawing. It’s also their first time at the Fringe., so send them love and support. 17:20 at Underbelly Bristo Square.

Lachlan Werner- Voices of Evil (@LachyWerner) is a fellow KeepItFringe recipient, and an amazing drag artist. 22:30 at Pleasance Courtyard.

Alan Turing- A Musical Biography (@EarlyMornings19) looks amazing. I’m always keen to support new musical theatre, especially when it’s queer and educational. 10:50 at Paradise in Augustines.

LIKE WHAT YOU JUST READ? FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! FIND US ON FACEBOOK! OR SIGN UP TO OUR MAILING LIST!

INTERESTED IN BEING INTERVIEWED TOO? CLICK HERE!