Jodie Mitchell’s debut hour in some ways sticks to the mould of artist origin story. But in this show, we’re getting to know two people: Mitchell, plus their drag king alter ego John Travulva.
Mitchell skilfully weaves together drag, standup and an intriguing story about one weird day in this assured debut. They burst on to the stage as Travulva – Glaswegian accent, strong black beard, diamante-adorned sporran. Travulva is Scottish because Mitchell is Scottish, except, you wouldn’t know it to speak to them. When they were 10, a private school scholarship sent them down south, confusing their accent and class identity in the process. Mitchell is from a working-class family, but had an upper-class education – they feel “like a Greggs flat white”.
Their family’s Catholicism leads to some imaginative material – a routine about God as a gay icon is incredibly funny, and tales of a lesbian nun allow segues into discussions of gender. On the weird day in question, Mitchell performed as themselves and as Travulva. A rowdy crowd of closed-minded punters booed Mitchell, purely because of their perceived gender. They explore the dynamics at play – the lack of trust some people afford non-male comedians and the comparative ease with which Travulva moves through the world.
It is contrasted with the supportive warmth of the queer scene where they later perform as Travulva. But elsewhere, not everyone gets it. Jokes about Mitchell’s family dynamics and a riposte to those who feel they are due a say in the lives of trans people keep the show flowing nicely.
Mitchell is a compelling storyteller and the closing act is full of suspense. The finale is rousing, bringing big drag king energy into this Edinburgh basement, and ending with a reveal that is both a silly and satisfying end to Mitchell’s story.
At Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, until 27 August
