“It takes a gifted performer to transition seamlessly between Italian, French and English without missing a beat!”

Ahead of its run at the Edinburgh Fringe this August, Giulia A. Cryan previewed The Seat of Me at Camden Town’s Etcetera Theatre. It takes tremendous courage to stand alone on stage, particularly when telling such a deeply personal story, and Cryan embraces that challenge wholeheartedly.

Not only is she the sole performer throughout the production, but she also displays remarkable vulnerability, never shying away from the complex and emotional experiences that have shaped her life. There is no attempt to soften or conceal those moments; everything is laid bare, creating an honest and intimate connection with the audience.

Opening the performance with her rendition of La Vie en Rose in Italian, Cryan immediately demonstrates the strength and versatility of her voice. Her performance is effortlessly captivating as she introduces her story and the parallels she draws between her own life and that of Edith Piaf.

The following musical number is performed in English, highlighting another of Cryan’s strengths. It takes a gifted performer to transition seamlessly between Italian, French and English without missing a beat, and she does so with complete confidence and ease. Throughout the evening, each song serves a purpose within the narrative rather than simply acting as a musical interlude, allowing the music to become another voice in the storytelling. What makes The Seat of Me particularly engaging is the way Cryan intertwines her own experiences with the extraordinary life of Edith Piaf. Rather than presenting a straightforward biography or autobiography, she creates a thoughtful conversation between the two women, exploring the similarities in their determination, passion and resilience, while also acknowledging the moments where their journeys differ. It is a clever narrative device that gives the production emotional depth without ever feeling overcomplicated. As the performance unfolds, Cryan reflects on ambition, identity, belonging, mentorship, family and love with remarkable honesty. The audience is invited into some of the most defining moments of her life, yet these deeply personal revelations never feel self-indulgent. Instead, they become universal, reminding us that many of us question where we belong or wonder whether we’re brave enough to follow our dreams. It’s this sincerity that makes the production resonate long after the final song has ended.

The intimacy of the Etcetera Theatre only enhances the experience. With nowhere to hide, every expression, pause and smile becomes part of the performance. Cryan commands the space with confidence, effortlessly shifting between moments of humour, heartbreak and reflection while maintaining a warmth that makes the audience feel like trusted confidants rather than passive observers.

By Cryan’s own admission, The Seat of Me is still a work in progress, and that ultimately works in its favour. Rather than feeling unfinished, it gives the production a sense of freedom and discovery, allowing both the performer and the audience to experience the story as it continues to evolve.

The Seat of Me is an intimate, heartfelt and courageous piece of theatre that showcases not only Giulia A. Cryan’s vocal ability, but also her gift as a storyteller. Blending music with deeply personal reflection, she has created a show that is both emotionally affecting and quietly inspiring. As it makes its way to the Edinburgh Fringe, audiences looking for honest storytelling delivered with warmth, sincerity and beautiful music should make time to take a seat for The Seat of Me.