Stepping out from behind a dark curtain to a soundtrack of Christian rock and calling for an ‘Amen’ with a Bible in her hand, Spring Day gives a captivating glimpse of the evangelical preacher she once hoped to become. God has the answers, apparently, and the Bible is a mystic 8 ball of responses. So it is hardly surprising that when a vulnerable teenage Day, abused and ignored at home, is invited to accompany a school friend to a church that promises answers she seizes the opportunity with both hands. It’s offers a sanctuary both physically and emotionally, a fresh family. But at a cost.
You might worry that joining (and subsequently leaving years later, don’t worry) an evangelical Christian cult might be a bit heavy for a comedy show, but Day is armed to the teeth with steely optimism, an open-hearted demeanour and writing skills that allows for trust that she has can pull it off. That broad smile of hers and loud confident delivery coaxes a belief that she’s alright now, allowing for the humour to rise without detracting from the seriousness of the situation.
An American with a clear affinity with the UK and its regional quirks and humours, Day contextualises what is already bizarre adeptly in ‘Exvangelical’, avoiding an extra ‘otherness’ across the continents, producing a remarkable tale of moving goalposts and gaslighting, steered with a sharp wit and positivity shining straight through in her grin.
Spring Day: Exvangelical
Pleasance Courtyard – Beside, 18.05, Until 25 August (except 13th)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on#q=%22Spring%20Day%3A%20Exvangelical%22
