Theatre Divas say ‘Stand Up Vic!’ at White Bear Theatre
When three dynamic women join forces, something special happens. Theatre Divas – the trio of Claire Evans, Vic Holt, and Yvonne I’Anson – have come together to create exciting, thought-provoking theatre. With their latest production, Stand Up Vic!, they’re bringing a deeply personal yet universally relatable story to the stage. We caught up with them to hear all about their creative journey, what audiences can expect, and, of course, their favourite unconventional prop!
Welcome to ET! So how Theatre Divas came to be?
CE: Theatre Divas are three storming producers – myself, Claire Evans, Vic Holt, and Yvonne I’Anson – who share a passion for theatre. Our first success was a short run of Airswimming by Charlotte Jones at the Union Theatre. [ET’s 4 Star Review] Now, we’re thrilled to bring Stand Up Vic! to life.
VH: I’m Vic, and I’ve written and am performing Stand Up Vic! It’s a storytelling piece about my life so far – from my medical training and career as a psychiatrist to finding my true passion in acting.
YI: I’m Yvonne, the third Theatre Diva and Vic’s agent. I love working with these two incredible women.
Where is the show playing, and why did you choose this venue?
CE: We’ve wanted to perform at The White Bear for some time and are delighted that Michael Kingsbury has welcomed us for this debut solo performance.
What can audiences expect from Stand Up Vic!?
CE: It’s a one-woman show filled with storytelling, banter, and a fascinating journey through Vic’s life. It explores identity, finding a place to call home, and the leap from psychiatry to acting.
YI: It’s an entertaining, heartfelt, and often hilarious journey with a truly compelling woman at its heart.
What inspired you to write this show, Vic?
VH: I’ve always loved comedy, theatre, and storytelling, and this show combines all three. These stories come from my life – experiences that I hope will be interesting, funny, and moving. It’s about embracing change and following your passion, which, for me, meant stepping into acting after a career in psychiatry.
How long has the show been in development?
VH: The idea has been in my head for a long time, but it took me a while to find the confidence to make it happen. When I finally decided to go for it, Claire and Yvonne’s support was invaluable.
Claire, what drew you to directing this piece?
CE: Vic! I first worked with her on Airswimming, introduced by Yvonne. When she started sending me drafts of Stand Up Vic!, I was hooked. The piece is deeply personal but also universally relatable. Who hasn’t struggled with identity?
YI: Absolutely – Vic’s life stories are the reason we wanted to bring this show to the stage.
What’s been the biggest challenge in bringing Stand Up Vic! to life?
CE: Taking a piece from an idea to a full production is always challenging. At one point, our 60-minute show was running at two hours – cue the red pen! Cutting down a story without losing its heart is tough, but we made it work.
How important is audience interaction in this show?
CE: Vital! This is a storytelling piece, and we want the audience to connect with Vic’s journey. A little pre-show visit to the bar upstairs wouldn’t go amiss either – it helps set the mood!
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
CE: A sense of warmth and hope. Life doesn’t stand still, and dreams can be realised at any stage.
VH: Anyone interested in mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, acting, or finding your true path will find something to connect with.
YI: There’s something for everyone – from doctors who’ll relate to the medical training stories to those who simply love a good tale.
Is this the world premiere of Stand Up Vic!?
CE: Yes – brand new work!
VH: Absolutely.
What’s next for the show and for Theatre Divas?
CE: It’s early days, but we’d love this to be just the beginning.
YI: Fingers crossed! There’s so much more to explore, and Vic had to make some savage cuts due to time constraints – we already have enough material for part two!
Describe a moment in rehearsals that felt truly special.
CE: That first table read. Seeing pages of ideas take shape and hearing Vic bring them to life – it was a magical moment. Yvonne and I laughed, got emotional, and thought, ‘Yes, we have a show.’
VH: For me, it was talking to my fellow Divas about the idea and having them believe in and support me.
Are you hoping audiences stick around after the show for a chat?
VH: Definitely.
YI: The White Bear has a fantastic bar, and we’d love to hear people’s thoughts!
Time for some quickfire fun! If your show were a colour, what would it be?
VH: Rainbow – because multicolour is always better than just one.
If your show were a meal, what would it be?
YI: A good roast – meaty, tasty, satisfying, and you always want more!
If you could perform Stand Up Vic! anywhere in the world, where would it be?
VH: Honestly, The White Bear Theatre is perfect – intimate and just right for this show.
Do you have any unconventional props in the show?
YI: Boris, the broom. Not weird – he’d be mortally offended at that description! He’s a trusted friend and plays a big part in our lives. You’ll have to see the show to find out why.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
YI: My first director taught me to be passionate about everything I do. That wisdom has stayed with me for over 50 years and continues to shape my work today. Claire and Vic share that same passion, and it’s a joy to work with them.
A huge thank you to Claire, Vic, and Yvonne for sharing their time and stories with us. We can’t wait to see the show as Vic Stands Up!
Stand Up Vic! plays at White Bear Theatre on the 9th and 10th March.
