Why is there not a Northern Irish Disney Princess? Train Man is a beautiful but real show about sibling relationships and being the first child.
Caroline McEvoy starts from the beginning of her life, an only child and a peaceful time, until her brother comes bounding into the picture. McEvoy’s brother is what she describes as the ‘basic bitch’ of autism, fascinated by trains.
She describes her time in both a primary and secondary all girls’ school and the antics they would get up to, often at the male teacher’s expense. She shares the differences between her and her brother’s school experiences.
This is McEvoy’s lived experience, which she is very matter of fact about. After all, this is her brother, and there will always be sibling rivalries. Some may say she is a little harsh, but I think she is just finding her own way to navigate it and bring comedic relief.
The Northern Irish comic does not shy away from topics such as The Troubles or making fun of the English. She is a fantastic storyteller and receives plenty of genuine laughs throughout the show.
McEvoy now lives in London with her fellow comedian boyfriend. She is reluctant about having her brother stay after many years of being a carer to him. McEvoy touchingly speaks about the difficulty with letting her brother be independent but also knowing the world is not always kind.
Dressed in her sunflower jumpsuit, not unlike her brother’s lanyard, McEvoy reveals that her brother’s visit was successful.
Caroline McEvoy: Train Man, 13:20, Roxyboxy at Assembly Roxy, until the 25th August
