A strong solo performance from Lauren O’Rourke carries this tightly scripted gem of a Midlands exodus story. Working at her Birmingham local, the Kerryman, she yearns to leave. The opportunity comes in the form of a London-based drama course; this location shift allows performer Lauren to display her talent as a character actor. Each pub regular, drama school student, and passer-by is portrayed distinctly and humorously, and the hour flies by in the company of the creative O’Rourke. Though strong in isolation, it would be good to see her as part of a larger piece that stretches her more, but for the purposes of this play she was excellent, and I look forward to seeing more of her work in future.

Princes Mall, 6 – 27 Aug (not 16, 17), 3.30pm (4.30pm), free, fpp310.
tw rating 4/5
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