Every story has a rise and fall. How we handle that downfall is what makes us who we are now. If you had a chance to share your story with the world, how would you tell it? Evangeline takes the rise and fall from fame story and turns it into a solo show full of intricate twists and turns from her humble beginnings, to becoming a stage star before falling from grace in musical form.
With nothing, but a chair, theatre programmes and keyboard played by show creator Nia Williams, Evangeline became an intimate experience that showcased the talents of Guy Briggs (who played the titular role) extremely well. There were no extravagant gimmicks, no distracting dance routines. Just a simple focus on a woman who wanted the limelight, even if it was just for a moment. The concept was simple, yet effective as Evangeline shared her story. The honesty Briggs shared was well executed and did not hold back any details of the reality of showbusiness as the journey to the top was explored. Each detail about the harshness of ballet training when a little girl, taking every job possible to survive and ending up in a relationship that turned sour was sensitively handled and delivered with a quiet strength that kept us engaged.
Williams’ music and songs complemented the story and added a sense of pathos to Evangeline’s story. Her arrangements were delicate in places, yet when appropriate, added a sense of drama to the proceedings. At the time of review, it felt uncertain whether we should applause after the songs had finished due to the way they were sometimes left on a cliffhanger, but if anything, it added to the sometimes darker aspects of the story in a way that framed each stage well without it being intrusive to us, or the show itself.
It would be interesting to see if Evangeline could be also explored as a serious drama with the odd song thrown in, due to some of the content involved, which does include the topic of abuse. Whilst it worked well as a musical, it could also be interesting to see where else it could be taken by being stripped down to the bare bones even more. In other words, this show has potential to go further and between the strong dynamic of Briggs and Williams, this could be something really special to watch out for as it continues its journey.
Evangeline is a strong, interesting piece that has honesty, heart and vulnerability. One to see for the craft involved in putting together a musical without all the glitz and glamour, just a powerful story with nothing left out.
Reviewed by Sascha Cooper
Evangeline is a showbiz survivor. This new musical traces her rocky life and career, from her discovery in a cardboard box to her West End rise and fall, via high-kicks, low-lifes, bruises and booze.
In this latest creation from award-winning company Three Chairs and a Hat, Guy Brigg plays Ms Teeth ‘n’ Tits herself, along with all the other eccentric characters in Evangeline’s rollercoaster story.
Written and accompanied by Nia Williams.
Cast & Creative Team
Evangeline and everyone else — Guy Brigg
Words and music — Nia Williams