2023 Edinburgh Fringe
Wasteman star Joe Leather slips disc ahead of Fringe run
Joe Leather is due to perform his drag-queen related show Wasteman at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. The raucous one-person comedy play - based on his real-life experiences working as a refuse loader through lockdown - combines monologue, song and drag to tell how he swapped steel-toed boots for stilettos to chase his dream of becoming a drag queen.
However, the production, which has been described as "a show that you cannot help but fall in love with" by BroadwayWorld, looked like it was in jeopardy for a moment this weekend as the star suffered a medical mishap. But, as he told British Comedy Guide today, the show must go on!
Leather explains: "Performing Wasteman, I jump into the splits every show without incident. On holiday in France this week, I turned my head too quickly and wound up with a slipped disc. It was also a Sunday and a strike day, so A&E refused to see me and I couldn't access anything stronger than paracetamol. I was forced to take the next Ryanair flight home, and am writing this horizontal and high on codeine. However, with the physio's blessing, I should be back in heels just in time for the Fringe. I'm rhinestoning a neck-brace just in case."
Joe has 17 days to fully recover - we wish him all the best. Wasteman will be at Assembly George Square Studios at 6pm from 4th to 28th August (not 17). EdFringe.com