Joe vs the Devil (2018)
In an attempt to reclaim some of the original transgressiveness of Christianity, Joe vs the Devil sees our eponymous hero take on the Devil him (or, more rightly, her)self.
The show took place at Christmas, and mixed carols and poems with panto performances to create something along the lines of a modern mystery play: a morality tale for the people. The show was co-written with Rachael Ford Walker (playing a vegan Devil) and Cormac Donnelly (playing Joe's Recording Angel).
Joe has undergone a spiritual experience over the summer. As a result, he has quit drinking, written a new book and been touched by God. The Lord, uncertain of Joe's conversion, has sent an angel to record his every word, hoping to fathom whether or not he is joking. Meanwhile, the Devil is pissed that she's lost a drinking buddy and fellow Pot Noodle eater, and conspires to win Joe back to the dark side.
The show began with the sounds of an angelic choir singing Josquin des Prez's "Miserere". The audio suddenly cuts out as the angel fits Joe with a microphone. The angel convinces him that he doesn't need a drink to get through the show and, if it goes well, the Lord will help him shift some more books.
Joe enters and reads an opening prayer, before singing the praises of faith in overcoming the Devil. He invites two volunteers to the stage. They undergo the trial of the hellfire noodles: devouring the scorching spice and inventing verses on the spot, overcoming the Devil.
Joe gives a sermon on the importance of controlling ones words, the better to hear the Word. He offers a noodle communion and blesses the flock. Goodie Ford refuses communion. Joe chastises her and it is revealed that she is the Devil. Not only that, but she has poisoned the noodles and now everyone's going to die!
Joe barters with the Devil, risking his soul for a cure to the poison. A noodle ballad contest: best of 5. The angel, acting as referee, refuses to disqualify the Devil for pulling pre-written ballads out of her bra. She poisons Joe with siracha, but he overcomes it thanks to the holy energies of the congregation and a great victory is won.
The cure for the poison, the Devil admits, is Christmas Spirit. Together, Joe, the angel, the Devil, and the congregation sing Oh Come All Ye Faithful, read a final prayer, and live happily ever after.
[Poster by Rhiannon Ellison]
The show took place at Christmas, and mixed carols and poems with panto performances to create something along the lines of a modern mystery play: a morality tale for the people. The show was co-written with Rachael Ford Walker (playing a vegan Devil) and Cormac Donnelly (playing Joe's Recording Angel).
Joe has undergone a spiritual experience over the summer. As a result, he has quit drinking, written a new book and been touched by God. The Lord, uncertain of Joe's conversion, has sent an angel to record his every word, hoping to fathom whether or not he is joking. Meanwhile, the Devil is pissed that she's lost a drinking buddy and fellow Pot Noodle eater, and conspires to win Joe back to the dark side.
The show began with the sounds of an angelic choir singing Josquin des Prez's "Miserere". The audio suddenly cuts out as the angel fits Joe with a microphone. The angel convinces him that he doesn't need a drink to get through the show and, if it goes well, the Lord will help him shift some more books.
Joe enters and reads an opening prayer, before singing the praises of faith in overcoming the Devil. He invites two volunteers to the stage. They undergo the trial of the hellfire noodles: devouring the scorching spice and inventing verses on the spot, overcoming the Devil.
Joe gives a sermon on the importance of controlling ones words, the better to hear the Word. He offers a noodle communion and blesses the flock. Goodie Ford refuses communion. Joe chastises her and it is revealed that she is the Devil. Not only that, but she has poisoned the noodles and now everyone's going to die!
Joe barters with the Devil, risking his soul for a cure to the poison. A noodle ballad contest: best of 5. The angel, acting as referee, refuses to disqualify the Devil for pulling pre-written ballads out of her bra. She poisons Joe with siracha, but he overcomes it thanks to the holy energies of the congregation and a great victory is won.
The cure for the poison, the Devil admits, is Christmas Spirit. Together, Joe, the angel, the Devil, and the congregation sing Oh Come All Ye Faithful, read a final prayer, and live happily ever after.
[Poster by Rhiannon Ellison]