Hereafter

To put it plainly, this show was a unique and unexpected existential delight. Evelyn portrays a solitary gravedigger during the Black Plague, and the show feels like watching a slow, manic—but still captivating—spiral into madness as they wrestle with the weight of loneliness, lost love, duty, and mortality.

Evelyn’s performance was nothing short of masterful. The audience interaction was earnest and endearing, and she slipped effortlessly between these comedic, lighthearted exchanges and moments of philosophical prose and existential dread. I also loved the prop work with the shovel and sheet and was delighted each time they were utilized in yet another unexpected way.

I would have happily watched this show as a full-length play. I particularly enjoyed the gravedigger as a symbol of the great equalizer—the figure who ultimately meets everyone, regardless of status or circumstance. If the show continues to develop, I wouldn’t mind seeing even more exploration in that direction, as well as a bit more connective tissue (if you will) between the show’s different components.

This was good. She was really into the character. The imagery she created was great. Funny and dramatic in good ways.

Somehow I’ve been tricked by genre fraud 3 times this Fringe. This show was tagged as physical theatre. I don’t think that’s true! It was a decent show, but there was actually very little physical theatre compared to many other shows tagged as comedy, drama, clown, etc. this festival. It’s mostly the lead talking and monologueing for the majority of the show. The promise of physical theatre going unfulfilled is especially disappointing as this is the only show under this genre at the Fringe this year.

There are a few things I still liked in this. The monologues are at times poetic and thoughtful. There is some really nice prop work, especially with the sheet/shroud. The costumes are also a lot of fun, as well as hiding a cheeky surprise.

However, the pacing is fairly slow. It was tough to focus when the show was meandering along sleepily in one of the most uncomfortable venues (Acacia). There was also a moment of audience participation near the end that was awkward rather than cathartic because it felt unearned.

I think there’s a possible future where this show gets tightened up a bit more and I enjoy it a lot. It teases a few ideas about the unfairness/inevitability of death that could’ve been moving had the play been workshopped a little more.

Think of it this way: You're a grave digger during the Black Death, all alone, trying to make sense of a world where death is all around you. What happens in your mind? Your soul? "Hereafter" is a journey through the thoughts of a very real human being trying to make sense of a situation that is simply inhumane. It is funny, heartbreaking, insightful, and real. A one-person show that deserves a spot on your Festival must-see list.

Randomly met Evelyn on the bus. Got too talking and made our way to the show.

Elements of humour about a very serious subject. I found it was about the loneliness that comes from loss. And being left in a world where one’s existence is numb. What does one do when they are without compassion and companionship. And possibly detaching from reality because of loneliness a bit. I know there was more, but this was my takeaway.

Only complaint I WISH IT WAS LONGER.

Oh wow!!! What a fun shiw! I was worried when you said there was suggestive scenes. lol. It was really nice meeting you. You are a really sweet person, and a kind soul. Your art is so beautiful. Hope to see you doing more stuff. We couldn’t stay after the show. I lied to work said I had a dr app lol. Best wishes!!! Again what a great show.

Excellent show. I think I might be in love 😅 Would see again. Will definitely be looking out for more from this artist in the future.

Wow! I was absolutely blown away by this thoughtful, humorous, dark, existential, and surprisingly articulate show. The writing was outstanding, but it was Gray’s performance that made this one of the best Fringe shows I’ve seen. They sold every word, movement, and joke with a sincerity that is rare. It’s not going to be for everyone, but for those it lands with, it's a spectacular treat.

Good ol’ Shakespearean existentialism!

Evelyn Gray’s Hereafter follows a lone gravedigger during the Black Plague as he reflects on life, death, and nature. Blending contemporary prose with remixed Shakespearean-style poetry, the show finds an unusual balance between dark comedy and existential reflection.

One standout feature of this show is its clever and unique language choices, being heavily inspired by William Shakespeare's Hamlet, the dialogue frequently shifts between modern prose and a remixed ballad format, this choice gives Hereafter its own stylistic voice. Hereafter is most impactful when its Shakespearean influence and its modern voice work together, adding more depth to themes, as well as creating a surprisingly touching blend of comedy and existential thought, however it felt as though the occasional musical numbers were disconnected from this heightened language, while the humor in said numbers was enjoyable, I sometimes wished the songs had more room to explore the deep and emotional themes that made the dialogue in the show so gripping. If this were done the musical numbers would have felt less like interruptions in the show, and more like extensions of its storytelling.

Evelyn Gray’s performance in Hereafter is explosive. Gray had a strong and comedic stage presence, particularly in their interactions with the audience, Gray's awkwardness in these scenarios was effective because instead of feeling forced, it felt playful and dynamic, constantly bringing the audience in and making them feel like a part of the performance itself. Gray's ability to maneuver through comedy and existentialism was crucial in maintaining the show's unusual style.