Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words
Award-winning solo show by Elizabeth June (Blackish, Hightown), Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words is a dramedy detailing her childhood and clergy sexual abuse and cancer survival. All songs, stories, spoken word and stand-up sets are a testimony of her triumph over trauma. Explicit language and situations.
- Venue: Paradise in The Vault
- City: Edinburgh
- Rating: 5 / 5 (28 reviews)
Performances
- Thu, 20 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
- Mon, 17 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
- Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
- Wed, 19 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
- Tue, 18 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
- Sat, 22 Aug 2026, 16:45 — Paradise in The Vault
Reviews
- Chris Mitchell — ★★★★★ (5/5) — August 20, 2026
Amazing work highly recommend! - Phillip Bass — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 26, 2026
As both a priest and a therapist, I was profoundly moved by Elizabeth June's show. Her vulnerability in storytelling, as well as her bravery in sharing her personal experiences, make this show a must see. I encourage everyone to see this show. - Tiffany Coty — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 23, 2026
Notes from a Narcissistic Negro is probably one of the most profound one person shows that I've seen. Elizabeth June weaves a truth telling story that heals the soul. I felt enlightened & encouraged as I laughed, cried and enjoyed this story. The courage of the material is beyond educational. It is FACT through the brilliant medium of creative expression which is undeniably Elixabeth June! GO SEE!! - TD — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 16, 2026
Elizabeth June’s Notes from a Narcissistic Negro is a triumph. This is one of the most courageous and compelling solo performances I’ve seen. She transforms life’s deepest challenges into art with extraordinary honesty, grace, humor, and resilience. The result is a performance that is deeply moving, thought provoking, and ultimately uplifting. What impressed me most was not only the power of her story, but the originality of how she tells it. The writing is inventive, the storytelling is captivating, and every moment feels authentic. Her voice comes from a place of profound truth, and that kind of honesty has the power to stay with an audience long after the performance ends. This is exactly the kind of theater that deserves to be seen. I hope this production reaches far beyond Edinburgh because it has the potential to resonate with audiences around the world. Brava, Elizabeth June. This is extraordinary work. - Treeadivine3 Brod — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 10, 2026
June is a true performer… Her honesty, artistry and creativity will move you and rivet you for the whole time she’s on stage. Definitely go see the show. - Russell Chin — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 9, 2026
June shares her truth courageously and unapologetically in this deeply personal tour-de-force. Like all great art, Notes inspires us to greater empathy for and awareness of the heroes around us who have been through the fire and come out singing. - Kent Jackman — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 8, 2026
Elizabeth June’s production showcases her multifaceted artistry within a story that is poignant, profound, and often deeply personal. Kudos for also spicing this layered tale with a bitingly witty perspective that allows audiences to experience moments of humor - while absorbing some of the disturbing traumas that humanity imposes upon one another. - Shon Fuller — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 8, 2026
Elizabeth June is amazing with this piece. The story is honest. She shows up and tells the truth and anyone watching this will walk away challenged and changed! This is fantastic work!! - Dwain Perry — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 7, 2026
Elizabeth June shares her story in a honest and unflinching manner. This is more than a seasoned well trained actor telling a story. This is how theatre is done and done well. - Ann Riley — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 7, 2026
This performance is so honest, so authentic! A professional portrayal of the artist’s personal lived experience that sheds light on sexual abuse & other sensitive topics. I laughed, cried, and reveled in her creativity & resilience. Go see it! - Carol Belmont — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 7, 2026
I’ve seen a lot of performances, but Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words is one that will stay with me for a long time. From the moment Elizabeth June begins to speak, she draws you in completely. Her honesty, humor, and incredible stage presence make it impossible to look away. Elizabeth takes you on a deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, clergy sexual abuse, and cancer survival with extraordinary courage. She balances heartbreaking moments with laughter, music, spoken word, and hope in a way that is both powerful and unforgettable. This isn’t just a performance—it’s a testament to resilience, healing, and the strength of the human spirit. Elizabeth June is an extraordinary actress and storyteller, everyone who has the opportunity to see this show should. You’ll leave inspired, moved, and thinking about it long after the curtain falls. I can’t wait until this show returns to my town. Seeing it once wasn’t enough! - Maria Mess r — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 7, 2026
One of the most riveting, raw, and spectacular performance of a woman who had her innocence stripped at such a young age but stood her ground and pursued telling over hiding. June is funny, artistic, vulnerable and amazing all in one. A must see. - J Powell — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
I was super excited going into this show not only because I'm familiar with June's work as a creative from way back when but because I know I was about to experience the talent, artistry and transparency of someone dedicated to her craft. Get ready to witness a personal journey that is honest, unguarded and reminds me of the power of community and what it takes to turn a negative into positive. If you have the opportunity definitely check out Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words and know that we all experience pain at some point in our lives but we have to make a conscious effort to be encouraged heal inspire and laugh as June does with this piece. - Alexandra de Suze — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
I call this show NECESSARY. Elizabeth June poignantly and, at times, hilariously, takes us through tales of family, clerical assault, and faith through monologue, spoken word and song. I highly recommend seeing this powerful performance. - Jermaine Alexander — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
This show is the perfect example of the expression "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade". The jokes, laughter and songs made the stories impactful and insightful to witness. Get ready for the ride! - Ciara King — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
I saw this show when it came to NY and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. June’s storytelling is so powerful. She’s able to set each scene and articulate the emotion in such a way that you can’t help but put yourself there and feel it. It’s raw, and personal, and you find yourself invested from the beginning. A must see if it’s in a city near you. - Jim Ojala — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
Rarely does a show touch on so many heavy emotions and genuinely make you feel all of them. The painful reflection of a heartbreaking past, the relentless power to push through it and humor at just the right moments to let the audience take a breath - June puts it all out there and comes out the other side an incredible, insightful soul. Don't miss it! - Amber Hickman — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
You don't want to miss out on this show! They way June tells her story in so powerful yet entertaining. She is a true multifaceted talent. To share such vulnerable sensitive information while also finding ways to add in humor is a tricky thing and, June does it so masterfully! - Thenayiz Ouvan — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
I loved this show. June perfectly combines elements that make show a must see. The brilliant transitions from light hearted to sensitive topics kept me interested and gives awareness and a voice to victims everywhere. - aaron turner — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
When we attend shows, we really don’t know what to expect. Even as titles give clues, we hope to be moved, at least entertained. I share these thoughts as I reflect on my emotional experience with Junes offering. I call it an offer because she offered herself, her story in a manner that I felt a sense of community I hadn’t expected. The title gave way to the sensitive material, but how this was rendered to Us is what made the difference to me, & I was touched deeply. The courage it takes to present your innermost tramas to the public is commendable. This can only help others along the way….. I’m sure if I were to ask, giving from herself is also providing receipts that I pray will continue to bless her life & ours through the fantastic work she does - Joya Joseph — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 6, 2026
Elizabeth June takes harsh topics and meets them head on with humor, vulnerability and eloquence. Her top notch story telling will take you on an uncomfortable but necessary journey. She blew me away! - Diva Cunningham — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
This one woman show was phenomenal. It took me through a myriad of emotions. June's talent of weaving the story together was excellent. What admired most was her strength in the delivery. What an empowering show! - Sammie Wayne — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
I was blown away by the heartfelt honesty in which June shared her story! I love how you cleverly used humor to tell what many might consider a tragic story! But you did what all great artists do. You turned lemons into lemonade and it tastes so good! Thank you for sharing ! I love you even more ! - Jacqui Barr — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
I loved Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words. It's a wonderful show, performed with passion and integrity. It's honest and raw, and yet has moments of humour and song cleverly interwoven. It tackles big, important subjects, but through the lens of a deeply personal journey. June is a powerhouse, and this show should be on your "Must Watch" list. - Mo Nique — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words Is an amazing show. It’s funny, entertaining and most of it hits the heart. She is a whole vibe. We all grow up with trauma, June has been able to wrap that up in a package that allows you to recognize we have that trauma comes from. This show touches so many things that people tend to shy away from, but the way she delivers this will leave you amazed and speechless. She delivers it as if she’s talking with a close friend and all the passion and energy that she has flows through every word. I attended with a couple of great friends and it was a great afternoon. One of the other amazing things is that she stays behind, after the show to answer questions and share thoughts. Take a family member or a friend and you won’t be disappointed. - Nova P — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
Notes from a Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words is a bold and thought- provoking piece that tackles identity, race, and the impact of narcissism with honesty, humor, and vulnerability. The writing is sharp and emotionally engaging, balancing difficult conversations with moments of wit and reflection. It’s the kind of performance that sparks discussion long after it ends. A powerful solo show that’s well worth seeing. - Deborah Grimberg — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
I loved everything about this show. June Elizabeth is a performing powerhouse. This is a must see - heartbreaking at times, but also so funny and extraordinarily well written and directed. The audience is always engaged. I loved it I hope anybody who can will go to see it. You will be thinking about it long after the lights go down. Deborah Grimberg | 05/07/2026 - Zoe Cheswick — ★★★★★ (5/5) — July 5, 2026
What a courageous piece of artwork. June Elizabeth doesn’t tiptoe around the uncomfortable role abuse plays in our society today. Through a powerful blend of spoken word, childlike song, and gut-wrenching imagery, she creates an unforgettable piece of theatre that is both confronting and deeply moving. I’m so glad someone recommended it to me. A Narcissistic Negro and Other N Words didn’t disappoint. It’s thought-provoking, emotionally raw, and a performance that stays with you long after the curtain falls.