A solo, dark comedy about dating, cancer, & psychedelics (magic mushrooms)

EDINBURGH FRINGE TICKETS & INFO

We’re taking this trip global to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival ! Scotland!

August 6-30th 14:20pm

Donate (tax-deductible)
Donate (tax-deductible)

Press contact: edinburgh@chloenelkinconsulting.com

🍄 I got rid of all the toxic people and there was no one left

🍄 I got rid of all the toxic people and there was no one left

The Show

Chronically single, Gail has always been good at staying busy, setting boundaries and avoiding intimacy. That is, until a scary diagnosis makes her realize that she might just need to slow down, chill out, and get some help. But, who can she trust? “I got rid of all the toxic people and there was no one left.”

This true. dark comedy solo show tracks Gail’s quest to find the line between herself and others after a cancer diagnosis and her participation as patient #13 in a ground-breaking FDA study that gave psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The study has blazed a trail for the potential legalization of the psychedelics for use as a medical treatment.

Gail has been interviewed by the New York Times, The New Yorker (Michael Pollan), Le Monde Magazine, VSauce, and CNN+, Psychologies, and beyond.

2025 Winner of LA Progressive and LA Hidden Gems Awards

Follow us on instagram

See a 2-minute video about the show

🍄 No one wants to date a bald girl

🍄 No one wants to date a bald girl

Ed Fringe Interviews:

Psychologies, a site that helps you know more and grow more

https://www.psychologies.co.uk/i-was-brought-up-conservative-and-cautious-then-i-tried-magic-mushrooms-and-my-life-changed-for-good/

Voices Mag, for young people interested in the arts https://www.voicemag.uk/blog/16663/interview-gail-thomas-patient-13-cancer-edinburgh-fringe

Reviews

“Patient 13 is infused with this warm, conversational quality, a down-home, honest, and lived in feel, genuinely friendly in a way that can feel revolutionary in Los Angeles....Gail Thomas is a born storyteller. More than that, she makes you feel like her best friend in seconds...This is a show that is not afraid of darkness, but for all its talk of death, depression, anxiety and medical nightmares, it has something quirky and uplifting about it, and the comedy really lands... It is always a pleasure to see a fresh, bold personal story that is, quite simply, about telling a true story”

— Amanda Callas, Broadway World

“I was in awe of Thomas’s ability to deliver the scipt: the excellent writing, the performing of it, the timing....It’s extremely funny and shocking too. We were all nodding at the parts of ourselves we recognized in Thomas, and the gratitude for this gift of her story burst forth from the crowd when she uttered her final words.”

-Betsyann Faiella, Front Row Center

“Gail Thomas, a Moth Story SLAM winner, has a winning way and a lot of shocking details. From “defensive dating” to a string of doctors, this is a story of a strong woman who kicked cancer and got rid of the toxic people in her life. Thomas reminds us all to participate fully in life, to trust and let go. And she leaves you wondering where you can get your hands on some psilocybin.”

— Larchmont Buzz

“Gail Thomas is a poignant storyteller … constantly (although never frenetically) moving around the space, so that although this is a solo show, the production never becomes boring. Patient 13 is engagingly performed throughout. A moving ... always entertaining one-woman show that dares delve into taboo topics typically overlooked by romcoms. Artistically acted …”

— Ed Rampell, Hollywood Progressive

“….Throughout, Thomas is magnetic and engaging in her intensity and candor…PATIENT 13 is a masterclass in storytelling, and how sometimes, a chair and a stage is all you need.”

— Guy Picot of Gia the Move

“…Her performance in PATIENT 13 is a gripping roller coaster ride of emotions. As she skillfully recounts her story, I am in awe of her perseverance and impressed by her resilience. I was deeply moved witnessing her standing ovation, seeing the tears of joy streaming down her face… Go for the story and leave with Hope.”

— Eloise Coopersmith of Gia on the Move

“Watching Thomas and her heart-warming and often hilarious performance is the stuff of powerful storytelling.. .Patient 13 is a fascinating show, with a beautiful script, crafted by Thomas, who safeguards her audience on a trippy, whirlwind journey into self-respect, healing and trust.

— Dan Ruth, LA Hidden Gems

“...this canny author manages to turn her fears and black thoughts into a very funny glimpse at just how ridiculous life can sometimes turn out...Gail Thomas does a fantastic job of telling her poignant story, all the while poking fun at her own actions and reactions... PATIENT 13 entertains while asking thought-provoking questions and memories which will linger long after the show is over.” 

— Elaine Mura, Splash Magazines

“I’ve interviewed a lot of people and Gail’s psychedelic trip report definitely stands out!”

— Michael Pollan, Author of How to Change Your Mind, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

Thomas’s narrative balances humor and pathos, making us reflect on our own lives and relationships. Her solo performance format amplifies the intimacy of the story, drawing us into the protagonist’s internal struggles and epiphanies. “Patient 13” not only entertains but also challenges societal norms about medical treatment and mental health, encouraging a reevaluation of how we perceive and address these issues.

—  James Scarborough, What the Butler Saw, An LA Arts Magazine

Studies about Gail’s specific clinical trial

🍄 Tripping Legally with FDA Approval

🍄 Tripping Legally with FDA Approval

About Gail (me)

I’m mission-driven, using my skills as a writer, lawyer, actor, filmmaker, storyteller, and storytelling coach, to help people connect, trust, love themselves.

I’m is a Moth SLAM winner, and have also performed at RISK!, Story Collider, The Crow, etc. Voiceover credits include John Cameron Mitchell’s Anthem: Homunculus, Angelo Rules, David Letterman, Beavis and Butthead, as well as video games, commercials and movies. Did a thing on Law &Order SVU. My home grown, short comedy, My BFF, won audience favorite at NYC New Filmmakers. I’ve written for smart, famous, lovely people.

I love helping people find and share their true personal stories as a storytelling coach for Practical Storytelling, and a freelance copywriter/editor, and speechwriter.

Gail's Website

🍄 I've got cancer on my uterus, Wanna split some nachos?

🍄 I've got cancer on my uterus, Wanna split some nachos?

Follow Patient 13 on Instagram

Follow Us

Contact Us

Want to bring Patient 13 to your city? Stay up to date on show dates and other performances by Gail