REVIEW: I Am A Snail, Nora Dell, EdFringe 2026 ★★

Business is slow in this corporate workshop run by a snail. Clown Nora Dell is a quirky, slimy host in this alt-comedy show that is sweet and offbeat.

I Am A Snail is a little scattered, with a section dedicated to finding ‘synergies’ (love) between audience members, and a negotiation section being the two meatiest parts of the show. Dell’s style of clowning is gentle and affable, and gives cosy energy from the get-go as they offer tea to the audience members.

The point of the show seems to be, largely, to have a bit of fun. Dell speaks in a sing-song voice and gets to know the audience, asking them if they are looking for love and riffing off of the answers. The slightly awkward banter was funny, and quite endearing.

Dell is a charming host, though the insistence on an unusual voice dampened some of their repartee. After asking a few rounds of questions in order to ascertain ‘synergies’, this section seems to be a somewhat cyclical exercise. It’s a little unclear, aside from the chosen jargon, what this crowd work has to do with a corporate workshop, but then it’s not like a clown must adhere to logic.

The second-half of I Am A Snail is the most lively, with the rather amusing premise of a hostage negotiation, and a section that happens only for one audience member. The latter was particularly silly, and was certainly the peak of the show.

Both concepts are funny, but the consistent soft energy of Dell’s clown doesn’t carry the full impact that perhaps a change of tempo or emotion might have had. There were some really interesting games underlying these sections, but it felt like they did not quite reach their potential.

Dell is at their best when spontaneity is sparked, rather than the more scripted portions which feel lacklustre. The songs are a nice addition, with Dell coaxing the audience into a sing-along which is always good fun. This clown definitely has potential, they were charming and their willingness to embrace the silly did make for an enjoyable hour.

Yet, I Am A Snail fails to insist upon its own idea; loosely acknowledging its own context could be a great opportunity to critique and mock corporate culture. It fails to find a substantial thread and stick with it, and what’s more, the comedy was not in a place where it could carry the show without such substance.

I Am A Snail is a nice show, but I’m sure this performer has more to bring to the table.

Recommended drink: Tea was provided – have something with caffeine.

Catch I Am a Snail at Various Venues from August 20-30 at Various Times (45 minutes).  Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.