Fittingly, this play is as breathless and gripping as any spy thriller, and as energetic and entertaining as a can-can routine at the Bal Tabarin. It recounts the true story of Florence Waren – born Sadie Rigal – who lived a double life during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Hiding her Jewishness, she performed publicly as a dancer, while secretly aiding the French Resistance, smuggling people, weapons and messages all while “hiding in the spotlight”. Terrifically performed, and with dynamic staging, the excellent historical plot is complemented by a contemporary framing device, in which her descendants compare her experiences to their own. Their story adds poignancy at the end, and levity throughout, offering a timely reminder of the threat of nazism and anti-semitism

Pleasance Dome, until 13 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Andy Leask]