As the name suggests, the Big Gay After-party is very large, very queer, and happens very late at night.
Scheduled to begin at half-past midnight in the Big Room at Just The Tonic The Caves on Cowgate, the performance started late on the night we saw it. This was partially due to the show before running behind schedule, and the consequent need to clear all the seating from the venue meant a longer change-around time than is usual at the Fringe.
Logistics dealt with, host Aidan Sadler whips up an already eager audience into energetic anticipation for what is to come.
In common with other late-night shows, the format is a selection of six cabaret pieces, drawn from across the Fringe. The lineup is different every time, but here’s a rundown of the acts we saw.
We began with Belle de Beauvoir, who emerged from the audience like a siren. A cross between fifties movie starlet chic, and dance of the seven veils exoticism, de Beauvoir expertly teased the audience through this opening burlesque number.
Next up, the high-energy Polly and Esther. A traditional drag duo from Wales, they led us through a small amount of stand-up, and some absolute bangers of songs, including a boisterous rendition of ABBA’s ‘Lay All Your Love On Me’.
Finally, to end the first act, was Just Pete, who offers something for everyone, with some light striptease, an illuminated hula hoop and a milk-based finale. This went down incredibly well in the room, where, an earlier survey had revealed, a solid 99% of the audience identified as queer.
After an interval of ‘a gay fifteen minutes’, Aidan was back to introduce the next performers. We opened with Ian Lockwood, who is apparently up and coming on the TV. He sang an original song and removed some of his clothing. The audience enjoyed Ian’s performance very much.
This was followed by an appearance from a man who at this point must be vying for the title of ‘hardest working person at the Fringe’. This is the third time we’ve seen Trigger Happy from Swamplesque performing his routine, and it gets stronger every time.
The finale came from Turkish-Australian Cazeleon, who again threw a bit of everything at us: some singing, some lip synching to Meryl Streep, and some vogueing. From there, Aidan took over once more, to lead the partygoers into an extended boogie on the dancefloor.
Camp, joyful, and a queer safe space, this is an excellent opportunity for late-night fringe revellers to get onto their feet and enjoy some of the best queer cabaret acts this year’s Fringe has to offer.
Big Gay Afterparty continues at Just The Tonic The Caves – The Big Room (venue 88), on August 18th, 19th, and 21st – 26th (inclusive) at Half-past midnight (00:30). Note that the Fringe Society has abandoned the concept of the ‘Fringe Day’ for 2024, so, for example, a ticket bought for Friday night will show a performance date of the Saturday
Featured Image courtesy of Fringe Society
