Angelique wants to be a florist, but life isn’t easy for a working class person with ambition. Leading us through her flower-filled flat, she movingly describes the sexual violence she experienced at the hands of someone she loves but, despite this betrayal, Angelique is resilient and determined. Writer-performer Emma Dennis-Edwards creates a nuanced character in Angelique, exceptionally capturing the uncertainty of adolescence, the struggle of social mobility and the vulnerability of a person in the care system. The sour note at the very end of the play jars a little – but that aside, I admire the vivid writing and the way the play confronts societal failures whilst exhibiting the strength of women.

Pleasance Pop-Up: Power Play HQ, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Marni Appleton]