@ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 26 Mar 2016

Deep in darkest Argyll lies Kilberry, and there, the cottage belonging to Yvonne (Pauline Lockhart). Before the action begins, Yvonne has passed away and her friend, Isobel, played by Olivier Award nominee Melody Grove, has been left in the house but is not sure whether she wants to be there, although feels she should be.

The action all plays out in the cottage set, superbly designed by John Byrne. Every detail has been thought out and the moon shining down on the quaint scene adds to the atmosphere of magic and fantasy which plays out on stage. This ethereal feel is added to by clever lighting and sound, particularly at times of transition, such as when Isobel describes pulling up to the house in her car or Yvonne and Marion (Alexandra Mathie) are outside looking at the stars.

Marion, unlike Isobel and Yvonne, is based on a real person – archaeologist and writer Marion Campbell, who excavated a great many important artefacts now housed in the Auchindrain Folk Museum and penned The Dark Twin, the novel referred to throughout the play and which has a big impact on the lives of all three ladies.

The acting and the lengthy monologues are impressive and the actresses each pull the audience into their characters and leave people wanting to know more about their past lives, memories and the experiences which have led them to where they are now. But at times all of this becomes confusing. Who is dead and who is alive? Who is guiding who? And what is the purpose of “Vonnie” inviting her friend to take on the house rather than her brother? There are too many unanswered questions, too many gaps to fill. Although this was perhaps director Muriel Romanes intention – to allow the audience this level of imagination – at times it seems unnecessary.

Nonetheless Stellar Quines give stellar performances and the talent on display both on-stage and backstage shows just why this award-winning Scottish theatre company is so highly regarded.

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