AI sure is taking over. This moving story looks at the topic of grief, as protagonist Alfie struggles to move on and starts to rely on an AI chatbot to help solve her problems. The play offers a scary glimpse of a possible future as we witness Alfie’s reliance on new technology, her unwillingness to move on, and her craving for forgiveness. It’s simply staged: there’s a microphone on stage with voice changing software, and it’s a wordy monologue piece that’s well written and descriptive. That said, having some more sound or lighting elements would be beneficial – given how many transitions between places and characters the talented actress Alfrun Rose has to portray – and make the show easier to follow. There is no dead air, however, in this show that had its audience in tears, laughing, and gripped throughout.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Andrew Melrose]