REVIEW: Crying At My Podiatrist, Julia Atkin, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★★

As a squeamish person, the thought of losing a toenail is an eldritch nightmare. New York-based playwright and performer Julia Atkin, however, lived it and now tells the tale in her whimsically funny and gorgeously moving solo show Crying At My Podiatrist.

The surgical removal of said nail was only the start of a three-year journey of capricious growth, discovery of other health issues, and dealing with loss. But one beacon of wisdom remained: Atkins’ Ukrainian podiatrist.

The saga of these two people — of different generations, professions, nationalities — meeting time and again in pursuit of healing ends up transcending its yucky premise and revealing a thoughtful meditation on bodily autonomy, mental health, queer lineage, and Jewish identity in which humour and grief elegantly intertwine.

Atkins and director Britt Burke set the action in a simple but very well-used set in Paradise in Augustines’ Snug theatre: a backdrop curtain, a swivel stool covering, and even a bow tied around the actor’s water bottle, are all made of the same shimmery seafoam green fabric, giving the piece a cohesive and flexible sandbox to play in.

Atkins is an inviting performer with a gentle, unwavering command of the stage that is further boosted by inventive props and meticulous blocking. We become truly invested in her story and there’s a collective catharsis in both laughing and crying at the sad, gross, beautiful things that make us human.

Crying at My Podiatrist is a pitch-perfect fringe debut from an artist (and toenail) you will leave cheering for,

Recommended drink: An acidic yet refreshing screwdriver, preceded by a Liquid IV to replenish your tears

Catch Crying At My Podiatrist at Paradise in Augustines from August 20-30 at 19:40 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.