In No Good Drunk, Stacie Burrows invites audiences into a deeply personal and evocative journey through her family’s history, performed with striking vulnerability and artistic flair at the Pleasance Courtyard (Attic). Dressed in a cowgirl outfit and framed by a bar stool and table draped in the Texas flag, Burrows sets the stage for a Southern Gothic tale that is as haunting as it is heartfelt.
The production is rooted in Burrows’ search for her grandfather, described as “a no good drunk buried somewhere in El Paso.” What begins as a genealogical quest quickly unfolds into a lyrical exploration of generational trauma, addiction and resilience. The narrative threads together stories of multiple generations of women who endured domestic abuse and alcoholism, yet found ways to survive and protect their children. The show’s central theme, that history doesn’t always repeat, but often rhymes, is beautifully realised through vivid storytelling and poetic musical interludes.
Burrows’ performance is magnetic. Her storytelling is rich with detail and emotion, keeping the audience riveted throughout the hour-long solo show. The integration of original country and country blues songs, co-written with Sam Small, adds a layer of emotional depth. These songs are accompanied by excellently produced music videos and archival footage, creating a multimedia experience that enhances the narrative.
Directed by Katierose Donohue Enriquez, the show walks a delicate line between tragedy and beauty. It honours the silence of women who were denied the space to speak their truths, while celebrating the courage it takes to break the cycle. Burrows’ mother, who raised five children without revealing her pain, becomes the emotional anchor of the piece, a beacon of strength whose story is finally given voice.
One of the most powerful aspects of No Good Drunk is its ability to make the audience feel like honoured guests in Burrows’ family history. It’s a rare gift to be welcomed so intimately into someone’s past, and Burrows does so with grace, humour and compassion.
A compelling and musically rich solo performance, No Good Drunk brings to Fringe a heartfelt narrative and a powerful message of healing and hope.
