From the get go, the venue was packed, excited and apprehensive chattering only added to the bubbling atmosphere. As Pippa Evans took the stage, full of energy and life I started wonder just how well we'd get along. I assumed from the title that there'd be some intent to elicit further happiness and joy from the audience and that this would be done prescriptively in a 'I will make you feel good' type manner. Thankfully, this was not the case. Evans created a shared sense of community for the hour, as we all revelled in our hatred of Piers Morgan and dog poo while mostly remembering the Blur/Oasis feud of the 90s and rested safely in the familiarity of the British prick. On the title, I was expecting some reference to the band Joy Division aside from the musical driven form of the show but nothing further was delivered.
Pippa Evans, along with the two (frankly brilliant) musicians who accompanied her on percussion and keys, successfully navigated British politics, the media, music, optimism and how appropriate a wink is in a hilarious and light hearted manor. She played on 21st Century doom and gloom, exploring just how other people make us happy in tangent with the dichotomy of accidental happiness I experienced joy nearly the whole way through. Perhaps the most interesting part of the show was the clever contrast between negativity and joy. Through song, narrative and improvised comedy Evans brings to light how we all love a bit of an asshole, but someone who is genuinely nice often confuses us often arouses suspicion.
While the show took primary musical form, it was in fact Evans' improv and anecdotal humour that caused me to throw my head back with laughter. Although funny, the constant bursting into song somewhat detracted from the overall flow, with some joke-to-song transitions feeling drawn-out and unnecessary, although the music did tie the show together as a whole and provide a continued positive atmosphere. The numerous songs caused the show to dip slightly, and therefore the atmosphere of the Cabaret Bar Venue at a mid point, but it got going again for the end. It would've been easy to rely on society's distain for the modern social and political era, but Evans worked hard to make it something different.
I came out of the show feeling genuinely happy, joyful and smiling a little confused as to how this snuck up on me over the hour. After that performance, Pippa Evans should be embracing her inner prick and feeling a little smug.
You can find out more about Pippa Evans: Joy Provision! on the Fringe website.
We definitely need someone to pick apart at British-ness nowadays!