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Caroline McEvoy: Train Man

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 13 Aug 2025 Assembly Roxy Show Dates: 30 Jul 2025-25 Aug 2025

Caroline McEvoy had a great start to life. She was Mum and Dad's favourite, had an innocent charm, and managed to survive The Troubles. Never mind that the Good Friday Agreement was signed mere months after she was born.

Caroline McEvoy is witty, clever, and cutting to just the right degree.

That was until her brother Jonathon was born.

McEvoy gives a comedic retelling of her upbringing, which seamlessly connects to her life today, and it lands extremely well. The jokes are laced with millennial references, self-aware nods, and a series of lists to keep things organised. She is, after all, the eldest child, and that comes with expectations. Or, as McEvoy puts it: "It means unpaid labour and responsibilities."

Although it can be inferred early on, McEvoy doesn't acknowledge that her brother is autistic until nearly halfway through. You can hardly blame her, given the stories of episodes and tantrums that made her early life a struggle. They are all delivered with excellent punchlines, but also a certain soreness that feels deeply real.

The material spans a wide variety of topics: from disability to questioning sexuality, Ireland's troubled past to having your dreams shattered. It feels deeply personal, and McEvoy manages to navigate through it all without getting bogged down. The only sections that felt particularly close to the bone also revealed a righteous protectiveness of her little brother.

Caroline McEvoy is witty, clever, and cutting to just the right degree, and Train Man is well worth seeing.

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The Blurb:

A captivating tale of sibling rivalry in post-Troubles Northern Ireland. With gut-punch gags and emotional blows, Caroline reckons with her lifelong battle with her younger brother, who loves trains and getting his way. Directed by Ben Target. Audiences are calling it 'funny and beautiful'. 'Caroline is seriously funny and smart' (Sean McLoughlin). Komedia New Act of the Year semi-finalist and 3x Funny Women nominee. Host of 3x Chortle Awards winning night, Comedy Bandits.