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And Also With You is a thought provoking, nostalgic reflection on Simon Vaughan’s life lived in the Christian church, and his journey to walking away.
Welcomed by Vaughan to the show, handed a booklet of hymns and a newsletter church goings-on (drawn from an old edition from Vaughan’s own church), communion and a old overhead projector – you really could be in church. And that’s the point. Over 65 min, Vaughan leads us through this life, in particular his teenage years, as a committed Christian. For him, that meant attending youth group and church camps, constantly defending his faith in school, and, as he grew increasingly uncomfortable with the influence and outspokenness of conservative Christianity, deciding it wasn’t for him anymore.
The church service setting meant something different for everyone in the audience based on their own personal experiences with the church – uncomfortable, reminiscent of childhood, welcoming or hostile. Vaughan put everyone, no matter their background, at ease through his easy-going demeanour, self-deprecating jokes and funny photos of himself as a teen, and emphatic respect of all in the room. Unlike many other stories of this ilk, And Also With You is not built on anger or rage, but rather genuine reflection on growing up, figuring out personal identity, and determining what from childhood to leave behind.
The set up in Badlambs Barbershop was intimate and cosy. Humour was infused in each element of the show, not forced but never missing, be it in the poor audience member tasked with operating the ancient projector, or Vaughan’s stories about his dad’s opinions on ‘I Love Jesus’ style hymns.
A unique, quietly spoken one-man show that encourages each and every person who sees it to embrace the way our values and institutional influences change over time.
Pinot Noir| Wine Pairing
Communion is a very common church rite. It’s most often a red varietal, and it needs to be palatable to a wide variety of people. Enter Pinot Noir, an easy drinking red varietal with red berry fruit flavours upfront and refreshing acidity.
My Pick: Fulcrum NV Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, VIC
This is a classic Pinot Noir with a light body and dry taste appealing to most red drinkers. A little bit of earthy spice complements the red fruit flavours, and this one will also continue to mature in the bottle as it ages.
And Also With You, Bondi Festival | Tasting Notes
| Aussie Season | 6 to 7 Jul 2023, Bondi Festival |
| Ticket $ | $24-28 |
| Writer | Simon Vaughan |
| Director | Simon Vaughan |
| Theatre Type & Genre | one-man show, autobiographical |
| See it if you like | faith and philosophy |
| Wine Pairing | Pinot Noir |
| Criteria for Wine Pairing | Easy drinking |
Toasting Aussie Theatre 