Edinburgh Fringe blog: For psychedelic Patient 13, the next big trip is Edinburgh

In 2026, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival suddenly feels exactly right.

In a world where nothing makes sense, sharing Patient 13 – my real-life story about finding truth amidst chaos and confusion – makes complete sense.

I’m Patient 13, an independent woman diagnosed with cancer. Faced with major decisions, I had to figure out who I could trust. As I say in the show, “I got rid of all the toxic people, and there was no one left.”

By sharing my own vulnerability and finding humor in challenging times, I hope to empower others to recognise, seek, and defend their own truth. Patient 13 is my gift to people who grapple with tough decisions, complicated relationships, and self-love. I hope that it helps people see that they are not alone. We’re all in this together.

After I survived the cancer and the chaos that surrounded those decisions, I was (miraculously) invited into a government-approved clinical study that gave psychedelics as treatment for anxiety and depression. When I did magic mushrooms for the first time, there were two doctors watching me.

The psychedelic trip brought new clarity and a mission to return to performance! I stumbled into a groundbreaking moment. Who knew a middle-aged lady would become an international advocate for psychedelics as prescription medicine?

Thus far, Patient 13 has had 20 performances in the US. To my relief and delight, the audience and critics love it. Folks from diverse backgrounds are laughing as they find something that resonates with them. Maybe it is standing to authority, facing fear, self-love, and connection amidst isolation. I dig into my soul for this little show, which seems to liberate the audience as well.

Receiving feedback like “Your show helped me”, “More people should see it”, and “That was hilarious” inspires me to now travel across the pond. Bringing my own solo show to Edinburgh is a cosmic return to self, travel, and theatre.

Being a solo artist allows me to meet more people, share more ideas, and grow as a human being. I’m excited about the post-show conversations and experiencing daily life in an international arena of crazy artists and dreamers. What will Edinburgh say about Patient 13? I want to inspire and be inspired! I want to empower others to appreciate the nuance, hilarity and absurdity of life. I want to see how the show’s message (and jokes) land with an international audience. I’m told that Scottish audiences don’t laugh much, so I’m ready for that. Either way, it will be fun.

It will be my first time at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. But it is not my first time in Scotland. That was when I was 19 and broke my finger when flying off a moped. This time, I hope to leave with more friends, ideas, and opportunities. Or at the very least, no broken bones.

Patient 13 plays at Zoo (Playground 2) from 7 to 30 August (not 17, 25) at 14:20.