Yorick is back, resurrected into a liminal performance space, there to entertain… and to make sense of his life, and the goings on of Elsinore. This is a sharp, surprisingly profound solo show from the talented writer-performer George Rennie. There’s a little audience participation required, but nothing too buttock-clenchingly awkward, and Rennie’s warmth and friendliness soon overcomes any nerves. There’s a real skill in balancing humour and pathos, and also in mining Shakespeare for fresh, contemporary insight – ‘Hamstrung’ is a masterclass in both. While you don’t need to know ‘Hamlet’ to appreciate it, an awareness of the fates of Hamlet, Gertrude and, indeed, Yorick himself, adds the weight of dramatic irony, lending even the moments of levity an undercurrent of poignancy.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Andy Leask]