Photo credit: Sandrine Cazalet

@ Discover 21, Edinburgh, until Fri 13 Mar 2015

A startling two-hander takes place in this intimate venue for Black Dingo Productions. We follow nurse Eilidh as she recounts her actions before her court hearing draws near. It seems Eilidh has been struggling with her religion after the recent bereavement of her mother and it’s caused her to act in an irrational and violent manner at her workplace.

The script craftily begins to reveal the details of what has happened and Eilidh imagines having a conversation with the ‘victim’ of her actions, a fellow nurse, Laura. Reminiscent of Fight Club’s Tyler Durden, Laura comes into Eilidh’s headspace and can be spiteful and compassionate in equal measure. This gives actress Lauren Heatherill full reign to have some fun with the character, as she is playing an entity conceived entirely by another character’s conscience. Meanwhile, Hazel DuBordieu Raina gives a graceful performance that gradually hints at the confusion and dangerous aspects of Eilidh’s persona. The chemistry between the two actresses is electric and there is a deep understanding of the psychological aspects of the script that is conveyed in this mature and engrossing play.

In a short running time the play covers a wide range of themes including grief, prejudices and religion but it never feels overly weighty.  Director Angela Milton adds occasional stylistic elements into the proceedings and creates an atmospheric mood piece whilst moulding two exceptionally good performances from the actresses. In the end though, it is Jen McGregor’s thematically rich script that provides ample food for thought by the play’s end.