[2025-06-14]
In my mind's eye I can see John Mabey scrolling through random Wikipedia articles, happening upon a page describing the mating habits of snails, and thinking: I can use this.

Right as usual, because "The Legend of Snails" is a delightful and charming — to say nothing of educational — romantic comedy that hits all the right notes as we see the dynamic between Sophie and Tess shift as they stroll the canal. I loved watching their relationship evolve at anything but a snail's pace.

The undulating pace of this short piece will keep you transfixed, walking along a canal with these two as they fall in love. "Identity is complex and labels are tricky." Lovely.

The pull of an undeniable mutual attraction meets the push of fear of commitment in this lovely romance. But snails lead the way to a final satisfying resolution. This play gets the awkwardness of unacknowledged attraction and the joy of ultimately moving beyond the awkwardness just right.