Writer-performer Adam Lazarus enters dancing to pop music, wearing fairy wings and chatting about his six-year-old daughter. He is funny and charming, making jokes that tread the line between sexism and humour to hearty laughter from the audience. But as the play progresses, alarm bells start ringing. ‘Daughter’ is a brutal look at how misogyny masquerades in today’s society – and it is terrifying. There is a deadly silence when the play finishes; we don’t know whether to clap or cry. The powerful and honest portrayals of love, violence and toxic masculinity make this an absorbing and exceptional piece of theatre. This is a tough watch, but it is worth it for theatre this important.

CanadaHub @ King’s Hall, in association with Summerhall, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Marni Appleton]