I came across Titi’s show by chance thanks to a flyerer in the Cowgate, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my Fringe day.
Titi’s autobiographical set takes in their life in Taiwan and a family very much rooted in traditional expectations for children. Coming out as bisexual and non-binary, however, was not in the plan. It’s a lively and varied set, taking in everything from academic pressure, therapy, Titi’s dad’s obsession with number 69, and the perils of putting cosmetic surgery on credit. Be prepared for a lot of anatomical discussions, and even a free Chinese lesson to avoid tattoo-based regrets!
I’ve not been to many standup shows that include several dance routines choreographed as tightly as a K-pop concert, but Titi delivers just that, and the crowd love it. Titi kept up a great rapport with us, even when the material got quite heavy when discussing their father’s born-again Christianity and opposition to queerness, or dating as an Asian person.
There’s a couple of content warnings for nudity and suicide references, but for those who choose to stay, a very poignant drag routine is the reward. I won’t spoil it, but it certainly left a few of us misty-eyed – and smelling of Lynx Africa.
This is Titi’s first ever Fringe foray, and I hope it’s not the last.
****
Titi Lee: Good Girl Gone Baddie is at Just The Tonic @ Cabaret Voltaire, 1-11, 13-25 Aug