What would you say if you only had 140 words per day? Couple Oliver and Bernadette must now wring all possible emotional expression out of their limited words. “Every couple has their own language,” Bernadette says, but we see here how speaking it is not always easy. The “hush law” shows up their doubts and differences, and also what they’ve left unspoken. The central thought experiment is so neatly woven into this delicate human story that it never feels forced, and performers Beth Holmes and Euan Kitson deserve the highest praise for their nuanced work here. I don’t know when I last saw as insightful an exploration into interpersonal communication. ‘Lemons’ provides a unique lens through which to view our common flaws.

Summerhall, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Jane Berg]