Genesis Theatre Productions’ ‘Lost Girls/At Bus Stops’ maps out a budding queer romance through the streets of Edinburgh in this uplifting and magnetic celebration of queer joy and the whirlwind of chaos the Fringe brings.

The chemistry between the two actors for Jess and Iona is electric and believable. Catriona Faint’s energy as Jess is striking, portraying an unpredictable and spontaneous free spirit hiding her vulnerability. Leyla Aycan’s Iona is measured and level-headed in comparison, providing a down-to-earth calm to Jess’ chaos. The Box venue becomes noticeably intimate; the actors use the entirety of the tiny space, with movement indicating the characters’ emotional proximity or distance. Iona at one point takes a seat among the audience, character becoming audience member as she watches Jess’ confessional monologue.

The simple but intricate set design and props were versatile and immersive. Whimsical events such as Jess opening her umbrella and heart-shaped confetti pouring out of it are straight out of a romcom. The backdrop of the bus stop maps out their relationship, with polaroid pictures plastered on it and outlines of angels etched into it. We follow the ‘Lost Girls’ as they flit from place to place in Edinburgh, finding their way back to the bus stops as their story develops.

Moments of comedy cut the will-they-won’t-they tension like a knife, with an audience taken in by the jokes appealing to Edinburgh locals. Iona first meets Jess when she is flyering for the Fringe, bringing a number of fitting flyering jokes that capture the chaotic frenzy of the festival. The quips made about Edinburgh pubs and streets are winners with the audience, in a humorous ode to the city’s charm.

The writing feels natural, especially in scripting Jess’ free-spirited behaviour and spontaneous dialogue. The non-linear telling of the story is often distracting as the characters sometimes narrate it to us in third person, or the sudden time jumps confuse us. That being said, the play is purposefully shaped as it goes, with the characters re-visiting and rewriting their story to try and reach a perfect ending. They interact with the lighting operator to get the perfect lighting for scenes, navigating the booming club music or hollow stormy sound effects before tumbling towards a radiant final scene. We root for Jess and Iona who realise they can change the ending of their story, taking it into their own hands to achieve a happy ending.

‘Lost Girls/ At Bus Stops‘ is at Assembly George Square – The Box until Sun 24 Aug 2025 at 14:20