Izzy Tennyson proves to be very impressive on multiple levels. Not only did she flip into the mindset of a fourteen year old girl to write this play, but her ability to portray the young, awkward teenager is phenomenal. Her cleverly crafted script allows us to understand the reasons behind the character’s angst, and the foundations for her being, well…as her mother describes her, “a brute”. There is minimalistic staging, which further highlights Tennyson’s incredible presence. She illustrates the hardships that adolescents face, whilst also covering the faults within both mental health care in small towns and the education system at large. Tennyson somehow manages to makes us sympathetic towards a very unlikeable character with questionable morals.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Zita Campbell]