It would be easy to leave ‘Moderation’ as a full blown misanthrope. Its two characters are former moderators for a social media company. Having been forced to watch the very worst of the internet – thus the worst of humanity – they have been left broken, with memory loss, PTSD, anxiety and depression. It’s a grimly honest exploration of the toll this would take, but what makes the misery bearable – and what makes this play a triumph – is the strength of the relationship between the two damaged protagonists, and the deft skill with which it is conveyed. There’s just enough light at the end, just enough faith in humanity, to leave us hoping for – and believing in – a better world.

theSpace @ Surgeon’s Hall, until 19 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Andy Leask]