There are many reasons why people undertake the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across northern Spain, but Susan Edsall’s was tragic. Her partner died suddenly: one day they were kissing goodbye over FaceTime, the next morning he was gone. Her first instinct was towards alcoholism and self-destruction, as she charts in this one-woman show which takes the form of small vignettes with Edsall shifting between roles. Everything changed when she was out buying bottles of gin in a supermarket and heard a distinct voice in her head telling her to walk the Camino. This prompted a journey of self-discovery, healing and enlightenment, followed by the calling that she had to share her work as performance.

Edsall has chosen an interesting and quirky format for the show, which sits somewhere between a medieval mystery play and the kind of self-help spiritual narratives that are popular in publishing right now. She takes on the role of Spirit Of The Camino as well as personifications of Love, Beauty and Grace. These latter interact with and give advice to the Edsall of the story, alongside a whimsical suicide-ideation fairy called Morticia who continually tries to lure Edsall towards the abyss.

It works, but only just. Edsall never addresses us directly as herself, and the decision to act each scene rather than narrate it sometimes feels like the old creative writing adage of ‘show don’t tell’ pushed too far. But despite its flaws, this is a soulful piece that will doubtless resonate with many.

Buen Camino, Gilded Balloon Appleton Tower, until 24 August, 2.20pm.