How to Mate: The Ted XXX Talk By Drag King Daisy Doris May At The Edinburgh Fringe Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Deborah
Until recently I never even knew there were Drag Kings! Last night at the Edinburgh Fringe we got to see Drag King Daisy Doris May in her persona Steve Porter. How to Mate: The Ted XXX Talk is the continuation from last year How to Flirt: The Ted XXX Talk from the perspective of Steve Porter.
Drag King Daisy Doris May is vibrant and quickly interacts with his audience but has the talent of making you feel special just for being there. Last year Steve’s seminar was ‘How to Flirt’ so in continuing this thread takes it to the next step in a relationship ‘How to Mate’. Steve Porter captivates his audience with playful interactions with him and with your neighbour. As Steve says ‘It’s okay, not to be okay’ with the exploration of themes of identity, gender binaries and the image of toxic masculinity. It’s okay to have feelings! The show is cheeky, quick paced and hilarious with catchy phrases: Live. Laugh. Lube!
Steve Porter still lives with his mum, his career as an iPod DJ is dying but he has taken a page or two from his previous lesson, how to flirt into practice and now believes he is boyfriend material and is ready to impart his wisdom taking his relationship to the next level.
Touching briefly on ‘How to Flirt’ Steve breaks down the lesson in stages, with the use of a screen showing Peacocks, Penguins and Pigeons behaviours and how to navigate the unfamiliar territory of next base. The show includes audience participation, and you are not safe regardless of where you are seated. Those pounced on were great sports and got into their role with Steve, some with bright red faces, others who couldn’t stop giggling and of course the ones who were more serious.
In the past my experience of up close and personal comedy has good and bad all in one show. But Daisy’s persona as Steve didn’t have flat spots leaving you feeling a bit lost before the next good gag. It was an electrifying story as we were taken on Steve’s journey of ups and downs in his next stage of dating.
Daisy graduated in Arts Ed is extremely talented and has worked in theatre, television, cabaret and film. As an actress she has appeared in Sex Education, Lewis, Professor T and more. On stage she has been in Henry V at The Globe in Bristol.
She is also a writer and announcer for Sky Witness. She has narrated and been the voice for BBC documentaries, also on video games and animation projects which include Disney and DreamWorks. She has been involved in many different commercials that include Capri Sun, MTV, Rimmel and a whole lot more.
Daisy was the winner of Europe’s biggest Drag King Competition Man Up as another altered drag persona ‘Hans Off’.
I was amazed that after the show Daisy was outside talking to the audience. She puts herself into her character’s 100% and her love for what she is doing makes her shine.
When the Fringe returns next year, I will be looking for Drag King Daisy Doris May as I am sure she will have another sell out.
Venue: Assembly Roxy, Upstairs
Tickets and More information: https://assemblyfestival.com/whats-on/539-how-to-mate-the-ted-xxx-talk
Tickets from: £14.40
Dates: 8th – 24th August 2024 (not 13th)
Accessibility: There are 25 steps into the performance space. Venue is NOT wheelchair accessible.
Rating: 5/5