As we enter the room we’re greeted by Laura Day playing the guitar, whilst she and Alexander Hartley casually chat with the audience. This sets the perfect tone for the show: low key, but well constructed and entertaining. The duo play a range of endearing village characters, mostly very well. Whether it’s Sophie with her “side hustle” selling trainers, or her father Lindsey constantly telling customers about his Lynchian dreams, all the characters in this show are lovably quirky. ‘Columns’ draws on our need for closure, and the tension between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ lies. It’s also a clever bit of storytelling, offering lovely little glimmers of positivity and hope throughout.

theSpace on the Mile, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Lizzie Milton]