Every audience member’s face was fixed on the stage as a social worker visits a mother whose child has been discovered with a bruise, and secrets begin to surface. The stage is stunningly set like a cosy home, though the piece is dialogue heavy with little movement. Oisín Kearney has mastered the art of tension, which keeps building as the narrative unfolds through two well-written, secretive characters. Patrick McBrearty and Clodagh Mooney Duggan give an emotionally impactful performance, demonstrating every emotion even without dialogue. The final act feels very divisive, with puzzle pieces clicking for some, perhaps, while others might see it as losing realism. So unpredictable you’ll forget to breathe.

Summerhall, until 31 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Andrew Melrose]