Faced with redundancy, store manager Patrick (Ruaraidh Murray) convinces his co-worker John (Dayton Mungai) to help him rob the betting show they work at, roping shop regular Harry (Fraser Wood) into the scheme as well, things do not go smoothly for the trio.

A specially crafted slot machine sits just off centre stage. It has an opaque case, lit from the inside so you can see it filling up as gambling addict Harry helplessly stuffs it with notes, oftentimes in a zombie like state. His previous life as a mountaineer and multiple successful summits of Everest serving as a brutal metaphor for the lows of addiction. The set of the play makes good use of the space they are in, a venue fire exit becomes the back door, leading to both staff room and toilet which characters regularly come and go from. The bump of the door closing feels real to life compared to an actor simply walking into the wings.

Francesca Hess, playing district manager Michelle makes a strong impression. Her dismissive and arrogant mannerisms spot on for a mid level manager who enjoys lording their meagre power over their subordinates. You could be forgiven for thinking she is hamming it up a bit at first blush but as the story unfolds and we learn more about her character it becomes clear that Michelle is a woman dialled up to 11 at all times. Her crazed stare in the final chaotic and violent moments of the play is extremely effective.

Playwrights Mikey Burnett and Joe McCann have produced a self-assured piece of writing with keen insight into life as both a gambler and a betting shop worker. The themes of the play focus on the seemingly insurmountable challenge of overcoming a gambling addiction – and the cognitive dissonance required to work a minimum wage job taking thousands of pounds from people, until they have nothing left to give.

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