Lucy McIlgorm’s play centres likeably unassuming Ukrainian bin-man Maks (Vasyl Sydorko) and his relationships – with his wife, Valentyna (Maria Shtofa), and Yelena (McIlgorm), a woman he meets on his collection route. A potential Russian invasion, discussed on TV news, is hushed up over dinner, in favour of avoiding interpersonal conflict. McIlgorm’s choice to foreground dramas of neighbours, romance and parenting means the eventual invasion’s impact is all the more deeply felt. With committed physicality and humour, the cast additionally perform as secondary characters with the help of makeshift props. This device has potential beyond its budget: the multi role-ing can be successful (especially in portraying Maks’ son) but other character-swapping moments make less sense, and risk over-complicating an otherwise effective drama.

Assembly George Square, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Bizz Holmes]