“A Love Letter to Eurovision Featuring a Passionate, Captivating Pitch”
Carys Jeffrey Evans takes us into her show by giving us a rendition of Bangaranga, the winning entry from this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. We are then taken on a journey through history, sparkles and cheesy pop.
The first thing to say about Carys’ show is that it is not what you would naturally associate with a piece of theatre. It actually comes across more as a pitch meeting, as Evans explains what makes a good Eurovision rntry and tells us why she is the perfect person to do this. The pitch is written very well, being informative, funny and engaging in equal measures. It flows nicely to its rousing conclusion, and we not only learn about Eurovision but about Evans herself, and the journey her life has taken to this point.
The performance of Carys Jeffrey Evans is nothing short of superb. She is a talented performer who can sing and present equally well. She is unabashedly herself on this stage, and that creates this feeling of genuine charm. What is particularly engaging about this piece is that you are just listening to someone who, albeit a ittle over-the-top, is a fan of Eurovision and loves to talk about it. Evans manages to draw you in quickly and you do not want to leave. I could’ve listened to more about the contest and her ideas for how the UK can make a memorable mark. She brings good ideas to the table, and makes some valid points.
The show is really a pitch meeting with a little bit of storytelling; and I think it maybe needs to embrace this if it is to come back. The irony being that in embracing the idea of a pitch meeting, then you can add more theatricality. This production is a good start but could develop more to add further sparkle, flair and spectacle.
It’s a good time and a good show. I happily signed Carys’ petition and would do it again. Indeed, I hope to see this show return to more and more people until we see Carys Jeffrey Evans as the UK’s Entry for Eurovision. After all, we can’t do worse than we have been.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/carys-should-be-the-uk-s-next-eurovision-entry
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Theatre 3 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall
Dates: 7th – 22nd August (Not 16th)
Time: 15.05
Ticket prices: £12.00 / concessions £9.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 14+ (Guildeline)