This is an acutely observed play about a mother-daughter relationship. Sharpening the action, unresolved issues are brought to crisis by mother staying with daughter whilst her house has builders in. Mother is also bipolar which, though not centre-stage, accentuates the tensions. If the dramatic shape of the piece is slightly flat, the dialogue is certainly not: there’s some sparkling writing here, full of life and feeling. There is also much fun and good humour, darkened by a backdrop of damaging cruelty. Joanne Ryan’s fine script is well served by excellent performances from Pom Boyd and Karen McCartney. No simple answers are offered, nor could they be, but this is a deft and life-affirming piece about the power of love.

Traverse Theatre, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]