This fine piece of theatre is about, well, men. Some reviewers have seen it as rooted in toxic gender expectations but for me it is more about anger (and suppressed anger), fear, loneliness and friendship than about the sociocultural roots of violence. More profound than the cartoonish start suggests, the piece repeats and varies stunts and stories, building insight and understanding of the characters. (Surtitles help ensure the story-changes are legible). There are excellent physical theatre skills here: slapstick, dance, acrobatics and more, creatively and purposefully blended into an intelligent and fully-formed piece of theatre. There’s clear empathy between the players and the quiet trust and easing of loneliness expressed in the final scene leaves a strong impression.

Summerhall, until 25 Aug
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]