An Open Letter from the Creator

Hi, my name is Georgina and I have created the drag persona and alter-ego 'Big Red', who is the titutlar character of my debut solo show about a gaudy wrestling sensation who decides to throw in the (sweat) towel for a go at something even more terrifying and dangerous: a career change to stand-up comedy.

Now, onto the grovelling for your hard earned pennies.

Firstly, it feels disingenous to not acknowledge that the arts is inaccessible to so, so many people. As a cis, white woman from a comfortable background I am still finding it nearly impossible to put on a show of even such little expenditure. When you consider how many people do not have the same privileges I've been afforded there are clearly so many stories which are just not getting the chance to be told. I don't have the answers for how we can completley overhaul this, although that is what would be realistically required for there to be a meaningful shift away from elitism in arts. However, I know that while I force my foot in the door through sheer determination and will, I'll be keeping it open behind me. But, this all costs and I do not take your time and attention towards my project for granted.

Therefore, I am here asking for your help so that I can take my first solo show (which I have been working so hard on and debuting at multiple festivals already this year such as Adelaide Fringe and Sydney Qtopia Pride Fest festivals in Australia) to Edinburgh and give it the international festival debut I think it deserves. The last time I attended Edinburgh as an artist was 10 years ago with an original work I co-wrote, produced, directed etc. This time, I'm wiser, smarter, and ready to present a work that's truly fresh.

This show is newcomer, fringe, DIY, bare bones to the fullest and queer punk at its heart. I don't have a producer, publicisit, soundie or anyone other than myself. I have barely a prop or any set and one costume and a make up look applied with old flaking products from many moons ago. This show is me. I've described this work as 'too stand-up for drag, and too drag for stand-up' but, I'm hoping that my funky little creation will be endearing and entertaining for this very reason. I believe there is room for those of us who fall through the cracks of form, genre, and tone.

If we can not only get me to Edinburgh, but give me the oppportunity to present the best work I possibly can, then I truly believe I have something of value to offer. Stories and observations about the reality of working in creative industries, raw honesty about sex and relationships, coming out as a lesbian in your mid 20s, the great game that is gender, truth about recreational drug and alcohol use, and the general motif of 'wrestling' with one's contradictions and hypocrisies. Irrespective of all that, I think it's funny! And comedy has something of value to offer the arts even when it's less apparently earnest or polished on the surface. Can a mentally-ill, zillenial, lesbian catch a break?!

This all might be a bit too earnest and intense for what is needed here, but I don't know how to do it any other way. Frankly, it feels weird and uncomfortable to ask for funding and help in a climate where there's a cost of living crisis as well as a dozen other urgent causes that require all our funds and support right now. But, my hope is that there is a little space for me in all of that too maybe, and that it's not a 'one or the other' kind of situation. But, if you decide you won't or can't donate then I really understand - I couldn't afford to do so if the roles were reversed right now - but if you think this show has even one wobbly leg then I hope you will take time to share and promote this fund.

Thanks, George x

Costs Breakdown

Here is a breakdown of my previous and anticipated costs, because if I'm asking for hand outs you deserve transparency. If not just to communicate the reality of what goes into festival touring for independent artists:

• £2000 for the venue space I'm performing in (Playground 3 at Zoo Playground)
• £250+ travel (not including the costs of arriving internationally)
• £4000+ for accommodation (still not booked because on the whole you cannot pay for accommodation other than up front, and I don't have the money)
• £400+ living costs (I don't have a fancy lifestyle, but I do need to be able to travel to and from my venue and put some food on the table)
• £200 for props/costumet/make-up/set pieces (this is what I would spend ideally if I could to improve upon the very limited and basic set up I have currently).

Ultimately, the pay off for Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the pontential for future opportunities. I cannot think of a better world stage to present myself and my show on and I really think this financial and time investment could be worth it.

The Fun Stuff!

If you want to know more about the actual show and work (what it should all actually be about!) then please enjoy the below which I think sum up the tone, characterisation, humour, and heart of this work. Please also check out my instagram reels from the social media linked on this listing.

Poster from 'Big Red's Scratch Show', a three day long self-produced cabaret I put on to fundraise for my Adelaide Fringe Festival season.

Closing night of 'Big Red's Scratch Show!'