In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe 2026 interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, we speak with Julia Atkin about her show Crying At My Podiatrist.
What can you tell me about your show?
Crying At My Podiatrist is based on the true story of how I got my big toenail surgically removed, and how my Ukrainian podiatrist became my surrogate grandpa-slash-spiritual guide. It’s a 60 minute dark comedy that will make you laugh, cry, squirm, and shudder.
Crying At My Podiatrist is based on the true story of how I got my big toenail surgically removed, and how my Ukrainian podiatrist became my surrogate grandpa-slash-spiritual guide. It’s a 60 minute dark comedy that will make you laugh, cry, squirm, and shudder.
How would you describe the style of your show to anyone who has never seen you before?
Absurdist body horror meets chicken soup for the soul. Grief with giggles.
What was the lightbulb moment that led to the creation of this piece?
After I got my toenail removed, I asked my podiatrist how best to care for the wound. He told me that my toe would tell me what to do. It was a preposterous response, so of course I wrote it down immediately. From there, I kept going back to see him. Half the reason was for toe care, but the other half was for the plot.
What makes 2026 the perfect year for this specific story or performance?
Many of the story’s themes are getting more attention in 2026. We talk about Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), which I was diagnosed with after three years of brutal symptoms. Scottish researcher Dr. Lynsay Matthews from The University of the West recently published a new tool for identifying and preventing PMDD-related suicide, which 1 in 3 people with PMDD attempt. We also touch on medically assisted death, which MPs in the UK recently voted to approve. I’m not here to espouse my opinion on these topics, and I didn’t set out writing this story to be so relevant. It’s just a story from my life. I feel a little exposed, but mostly privileged to offer a personal window into topical issues.
How will you mentally and physically prepare for a run at the Fringe?
I have to hold my foot up a lot in the show, so I’ve been doing a lot of hip flexor strengthening! I have a banging color-coded Excel sheet to keep me on task. I started taking creatine… will it give me superpowers? Who knows! Producing, writing, and performing an autobiographical solo show is a full-time job, but I’m just trying to ride the waves and enjoy the process.
If you couldn’t use a flyer to attract audiences, what ridiculous object would you hand out to people to get them into your show?
Temporary tattoos à la “I <3 MOM”, except it’s “I <3 MY PODIATRIST”. We still might make those.
What is the one item in your Fringe Survival Kit that you can’t live without at the Fringe?
My team! Is that corny? They’re the best. Britt Berke, our director, makes a whirlwind process feel like we’re rafting on a lazy river. Osh Noam, our associate director, is an artistic Swiss Army knife—comedy writer, tech guru, and marketing man. Without them, the show would never happen.
What would you deem as success at the end of the Fringe?
This story is ultra-personal, but my hope is that it is received universally. Having a body, witnessing it break down, moving through grief, laughing through pain… These are all fundamental human experiences. I’ve just chosen to expose them under bright lights. Do we also want it to snowball into an award-winning miniseries? Sure! But at the end of the day, I’m so happy for it to come alive in an environment that’s known for bolstering new work. Being a part of the Fringe is a teenage dream come true.
Other than your own show, are there any other shows you would recommend at the Fringe this year?
My friend Kevin Qian is taking his amazing solo show, “2%: A Play About Privilege (And Also Milk)” to Fringe this year too. We’ve workshopped our shows together, and seeing his story transform into a full production is so inspiring. I wasn’t even planning on going to Fringe this year, but Kevin convinced me. Thanks Kev!
What is one Edinburgh spot that you would recommend people to visit when they're not watching performances?
It’s been fifteen years since I’ve been to Edinburgh, but I remember loving the cemetery. Our venue is right next door, so I expect I’ll hang out there a lot. Can you tell I’m a freak who likes dead things?
Can you describe the show in 5 words?
(It’s not really about toes.)
What keeps you inspired?
It can come from anywhere...Inspiration is a funny thing. It feels quantum physics, like the observer effect. Observing the thing changes the thing. I can’t squint too hard for inspiration, or it’ll shun me. I have to stay loose, pay attention, and keep a notebook on me just in case.
What would you hope someone takes away from seeing the show?
Listen to your body while you have it. Our bodies are so full of wisdom, and our world is designed against them in many ways. They’re the only real homes we’ve got. I tell my body all the time: it’s just you and me, kid.
When and where can people see the show?
We’re starting with previews in New York before crossing the pond. We’ll be at The Rat NYC from July 27th-30th at 7:30pm. Then off to Paradise Green in Augustines (The Snug). It’s a nearly full run: August 8-14, 17-21, 24-30. All shows at 7:40pm!
Tickets for Crying At My Podiatrist are available from
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| Julia Atkin. |
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