Isla Cowan’s outstanding show deftly explores gender roles, abuse of power and sexual assault through a fiery monologue performed by Molly Geddes. The show catches PC Nicky McCreadie after a mass brawl at Edinburgh’s Meadows. She defiantly reflects on her journey to that point, slowly coming face-to-face with a past she has tried to forget.
The strength of this show is the light touch that Cowan has for these subjects. Their exploration feels natural and rooted to the character, with the unpeeling of McCreadie’s emotional layers slowly revealing a startling truth. This is a fully fleshed out character and Cowan’s words not only bring us into their headspace but also allow us to clearly see the lies they tell themselves. Whilst the opening of the monologue, describing the politics and rituals of the Meadows, may feel a bit overlong in the moment, it becomes apparent why the character has their fixation with it by the show’s end.
The staging is appropriately simple, with just a police outfit which Geddes slowly puts on like battle armour. This is a nice visual metaphor; the outfit is a costume, a constant guard she has up, one that has been shattered by the events she describes. A hauntingly powerful piece of writing.
Alright Sunshine, Pleasance Dome, until 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 4.20pm