A near-perfect show, ‘Slugs’ is powerful, unflinching and challenging in its exploration of queer adolescence: be warned, though, it’s full of sexually graphic language. The slugs themselves are a symbol of Tobi’s lingering disgust and self-loathing, masterfully exploited to impact the audience, causing us to feel revulsion and then shame for feeling that revulsion. Two-thirds of the way through the play deconstructs and challenges its own narrative, exploring questions of consent, memory and responsibility. For me, the ending didn’t quite land, feeling a little muddled and projecting assumptions onto the audience that felt unearned. But the play has left its mark – or trail – on me, and I’m still thinking about it, which is a mark of great theatre. 

Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Andy Leask]