As we enter, there’s a simple white backdrop. A priest giving blessing, or an angel watching over? No matter, this is a well-told story of an unwed Irish girl who becomes pregnant, and the hypocrisy and cruelty of what follows. Beautifully written and performed by Aoibh Johnson, the lyricism of this show conceals great anger. With the simplest of props – just a hair clip for a character change – the tone is not universally dark: there’s some wry humour and friendly banter with the audience. Even so, there is no disguising the fierceness of the accusation against Irish society for mythologising its fallen heroes whilst neglecting its ‘fallen’ women. This powerful show has toured widely, do catch it in Edinburgh.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]