“I expect August to be full of surprises.”
WHO: Gail Thomas
WHAT: “‘I got rid of all the toxic people and there was no one left.’ An intoxicating true story of how Gail’s cancer diagnosis led her to participate in a revolutionary clinical study prescribing magic mushrooms for anxiety and depression. Set in NYC, this darkly satirical comedy follows fiercely independent Gail as she attempts to navigate dating, illness, true connection and psychedelics. Winner: Progie Theater Award for Outstanding Progressive Plays and LA Hidden Gems Award. ‘Magnetic and engaging in her intensity and candour… a masterclass in storytelling’ ***** (Gia on the Move). ‘Quirky and Uplifting’ ***** (BroadwayWorld.com).”
WHERE: Playground 2 at ZOO Playground (Venue 186)
WHEN: 14:20 (60 min)
MORE: Click Here!
Is this your first time to Edinburgh?
The first time I visited Edinburgh, I was 19 and I broke my finger! This will be my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, hopefully leaving fully intact. Being able to participate in this world-renowned arts festival over 30 years later — with Patient 13, my true solo show — is magical. EdFringe26 will blend my past, present, and future. Between the breathtaking beauty of the city and the crazy energy of international artists and audiences, I expect August to be full of surprises. I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to make new friends and exchange ideas with creative folks from all over the world.
What are the big things you’ve learned since 2025 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?
Over the past year, my mom’s health declined, then she passed — which is a big reminder that life is short, that I need to give back, to live my truth now. Alongside that, I’m a storytelling coach, so I’ve seen the breakthroughs that come to anyone willing to dig a little deeper. My decision to come to Edinburgh Fringe is likely a subconscious result of those life lessons. It’s a heart/soul driven decision, rather than a logical one. Now, this production (at Zoo Venues/Edinburgh) is teaching me to be fearless, dream new dreams, be a better communicator, make big decisions quickly, all while managing expectations. It’s already been a life changing experience. I hope that Patient 13 inspires my audiences to recognize and embrace their own true stories.
Tell us about your show.
I’m Gail Thomas (writer/performer) and my director is Dan Oliverio. Patient 13 is my true story (now a dark comedy solo show). It traverses dating, medical trauma, and isolation — ultimately leading to my participation in a groundbreaking US clinical trial which gave magic mushrooms to cancer survivors with anxiety and depression. It’s intimate, profound, and quirky; I speak to the audience like best friends. Early bits of the show were developed on Moth Storytelling stages in NYC, then Dan encouraged me to write the full show. The show premiered at the Hollywood Fringe Festival, followed by shows at LA’s Rogue Machine and Electric Lodge, NYC’s Pangea and The Tank.
At Edinburgh, we’re hosted by Zoo Venues, produced by Frodo Allan at Rhymes with Purple, with PR managed by Chloe, Mia, and Gee at Chloe Nelkin PR. I’m so grateful that this amazing team is guiding us through the maze of details and decisions. Post fringe, we’re looking for simpatico producers Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Touring and beyond.
What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?
I highly recommend my friend Kona Morris’ show “How to Poop in an Outhouse at -58°C – An Arctic Adventure Story.” She’s a talented storyteller and this is her true story about how she fell in love with a Native Alaskan and moved to a remote village north of the Arctic Circle.
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