Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Ever Yours
Vis-a-Vis Ensemble
Genre: Drama, Fringe Theatre, LGBT, LGBT Theatre, LGBTQ, LGBTQ+, LGBTQ+ Theatre, LGBTQI, LGBTQIA, LGBTQIA+, New Writing, Theatre
Venue: theSpace on the Mile
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Accompanying this tender exploration of loss is another story – that of a stolen painting and an accidental kidnapping of a ghost. This is a story about loss certainly, but also about loneliness and the sheer power of people and relationships in the darkest moments. If you feel that this is a bit too serious a topic to begin the day with, rest assured that there are also plenty of fun and hilarious moments scattered throughout in order to ensure the play doesn’t simply maintain the tragic tone.
Review
Grief comes in many forms, whether as the quiet pain of drinking the night away in an attempt to numb all sensation or screaming about the ways in which the whole situation is unfair. Of course, grief is a spectrum and this is perfectly highlighted in Alex Wanebo’s new play Ever Yours currently showing at theSpace on the Mile. Accompanying this tender exploration of loss is another story – that of a stolen painting and an accidental kidnapping of a ghost. Taking place over a twenty four hour period, we follow main character Olivia’s journey towards finally being able to accept her girlfriend’s death.
Played by Wanebo, Olivia is beautifully portrayed, her pain feeling tangible throughout. For the most part it is a quiet sort of pain, played out through drinking and music, with some aptly chosen pieces of music playing in the background of most scenes from the record player in the corner of the living room. This living room is the main setting for the play, existing within a wooden frame which allows the cast to step in and out of the action without ever leaving the stage. It is a simple but effective choice that we are becoming very used to in modern theatre. Within this is a set that is limited and primarily practical, yet it is also as much a part of the artwork as the acting itself, for every item that enters the performance space is collaged with classical artwork, whether that be bottles and phone cases or the structure from which the painting hangs. Fringe shows are not known for their complexity and yet through the choice it becomes an iconic and interesting set (that could still be deconstructed in the short get out time).
If you feel that this is a bit too serious a topic to begin the day with, rest assured that there are also plenty of fun and hilarious moments scattered throughout in order to ensure the play doesn’t simply maintain the tragic tone. Not to spoil too much, but Peter Heenan’s overwrought gallery manager Peter certainly provides wonderful bursts of comedy. Naturally, Wanebo and Heenan’s characters share the stage with two ghosts. Aron Cynan’s Vince brings a lively atmosphere to a sad story along with a depth of feeling, inspiring an unlikely friendship, while Franchi Webb’s Sophia is pure energy. Vince’s birthday provides one of the high points of the play and is particularly noteworthy – who doesn’t want to attend a ghost’s birthday party after all? With the use of a countdown, the audience is ushered through a whistle stop tour of the stages of a party and the sheer chaos of these moments works perfectly.
This is a story about loss certainly, but also about loneliness and the sheer power of people and relationships in the darkest moments. It’s about what it feels like to be human and for that reason is deeply touching. Despite supernatural elements and a nice amount of comedy, it is play which is very real. As the play drew to a close I couldn’t help but find myself feeling the grief that permeates the play, tears pricking my eyes as Olivia was politely informed that the gallery was now closed.
