Play written and performed by Little Princess Trust wig recipient

A show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will explore the issue of hair loss as well as the support that is available from The Little Princess Trust.

BASIC BALD B*TCH is inspired by Emily Glaze’s experience of having alopecia and wearing wigs of all shapes and sizes.

One of the wigs Emily received was from The Little Princess Trust. She said it helped her to overcome many of the challenges faced when she lost all of her hair at the age of 21.

"It was so shocking when it happened, I had never even heard of alopecia before," she said.

Emily said she took her long brown hair for granted and was ‘not ready to be bald’.

When she lost her hair, she was not aware of The Little Princess Trust and first went to a costume shop to look at wigs. She said it was an experience that was far from positive.

Fortunately, a family friend mentioned The Little Princess Trust and Emily was soon booked in for a free consultation at one of our wig fitters in London.

"The service from The Little Princess Trust was brilliant and the stylists made sure I was offered a full choice of wigs that were the right size and colour," she added.

"I could never have afforded such a beautiful wig, I was so grateful that this free service is available to those who need it.  

"It sounds cheesy, but the wig gave me back my life, my confidence. I felt empowered through choice as it gave me the freedom to decide when I wanted to embrace being bald and when I wanted to wear a wig."

The play, which is written and performed by Emily, highlights the rollercoaster of emotions she faced following her alopecia areata diagnosis.

She said: "The play explores how it affects your relationships with family, friends, your career and so much more, especially at an age where identity and figuring out who you are feels so important."

Despite the many serious themes, the one-hour play uses comedy to explore these darker moments. It was longlisted for the Victoria Wood Prize for Comedy and was also part of Housemates Theatre Festival at Brixton House in London.

The name of the play reflects the fun, comedic tone of the show.

"The show uses elements of drag and the title is all about reclaiming words that have been used previously in a derogatory way. It’s about taking ownership of who you are and feeling empowered in your own skin," Emily explained.

BASIC BALD B*TCH is at Underbelly Cowgate for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival from 5th to 30th August. Click here to buy tickets and find out more.

Emily has also set up a crowdfunder to help raise enough funds to cover the rising costs of taking a show to Fringe. If you’d like to donate, head to the link here.