Ryan Paulson was brought up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, a town full of taciturn Scandinavians. Paulson is told that he will get to heaven, unlike his Lutheran neighbours, as he is Pentecostal, the religion where they speak in tongues. If youre already lost in your Christian sects, dont worry, Paulson explains all as we explore how he found and lost God as a teenager, in this his European debut, directed by Virginia Scott.
This original comedy is a poignant coming of age tale, told with charm, innocence and humour. Paulson accompanies his performance on guitar with songs some real (What a Friend We Have in Jesus) and some with tongue firmly in cheek (You Cant Get to Heaven in a Catholic Mass). His excellent storytelling skills bring alive a cast of Pentecostals, from the unforgiving Aunt Betty to the radiant April Hanson. It is a well measured performance, something between comedy and confessional.
In the compact setting of the Teviot balcony, despite both the heat and a smaller than anticipated audience, Paulson builds real rapport. The intimate nature of the story means that it benefits from this cosy space, although some air-conditioning would benefit both performer and audience.
In all this is a refreshing alternative to traditional stand up routines and well worth seeing.
