Cathy is a newly-widowed Glaswegian matriarch of old-school character, a stoic, relentlessly stubborn, emotionally unmovable elderly Scots Catholic, whose faith is only matched by her prodigious ability to curse and swear. At the wake after her husband Tommy’s funeral everything angers her; her Protestant son-in-law Colin’s (Alan Orr) choice of the wrong Chinese takeaway for their meal, her granddaughter Amy’s (Chloe Hodgson) imminent single motherhood and her daughter Flo (Michele Gallagher). The latter, just because fighting’s what she and Flo have always done.
A tender exploration of grief and fractured female relationships (it’s a nice change that Colin and Tommy are portrayed as dopey but dependable background presences, rather than malign influences), writer/director Eilidh Loan’s play is beautifully calibrated to make its way through gorgeously observed emotional beats while revelling in relentlessly sharp-tongued and hilarious Glaswegian Scots humour.
This is accentuated by a great cast who hit all the right notes, especially Elaine C. Smith in the starring role, the deadpan comic timing which made her considerable name in Scottish arts through Rab C Nesbitt and Two Doors Down perfect for this character and this situation. Also wonderful is Sally Reid as Lizzie, the bubbly charity shop owner whose own grief helps Cathy recognise hers. It’s one of those rare Fringe plays you’d recommend to absolutely anyone, especially someone who wouldn’t normally go to the Fringe.
Cathy, Traverse Theatre, until 30 Aug (not 17, 24), 6.30pm