Going, The Space at Niddry Street.We’ve all been there – a hot train, a travelling hobo with a guitar who’s not afraid to use it, and an uptight passenger who looks daggers at anyone who comes near. If that isn’t already a recipe for a journey from hell, it only gets worse when the train comes to a sudden halt due to an incident on the line. Studio B Productions’ finely structured and smartly written Going, inspired by the works of Chekhov, gradually reveals each character’s reasons for going where they’re going; and it develops into a fascinating debate on action versus inaction, and to what extent one should be prepared to make sacrifices for a cause. Two superb performances from Nissryne Dib and James Trewin make this a very engrossing and rewarding production. It does rely on a rather massive coincidence, but you forgive it for the dramatic opportunities it allows! 4 stars.

#CHARLOTTESVILLE – The play that Trump does not want you to see! Pleasance Courtyard.In 2017 Priyanka Shetty moved from India to Charlottesville, Virginia, to embark on a drama course at the University of Virginia, with hope in her heart and an expectation of living the American dream. But something is wrong. Fellow student Trent makes jokes about her race, and when she complains to the Head of Department, she is asked not to rock the boat but instead to develop a sense of humour. But Trent is just a small part of a wider problem. On 11th and 12th August 2017, members of several Alt Right groups marched through the city on the Unite the Right rally, torching and terrifying anyone who wasn’t a member of their group. One activist, James Alex Fields Jr, ploughed his car into the crowds and caused the death of a woman named Heather Heyer. Priyanka Shetty has created this astounding play from interviews with Charlottesville citizens and students, as well as from her own experiences at that fateful time, so as never to forget those dreadful events. She also takes us through various scenes from the Court Case, and the whole project helps maintain opposition to the insidious rise of the Far Right. An immensely powerful and extremely important play, Priyanka brings marvellous characterisations to the inhabitants of the town that became a hashtag. A must-see; if, like me, you knew nothing of this event, this show will plug a vital gap in your education. 5 stars.

Swan? Underbelly Cowgate.`They say a swan is all serenity above the water, but its little feet are going nineteen to the dozen under the surface. Here’s a swan that’s ostensibly a graceful creature, at home on her private lake, not alone because she has a few cigarette butts for company, as well as her current cigarette, Timothy. If only she could find her own Prince Siegfried she’d be the happiest swan ever. But she does have some demanding criteria that any potential Prince must meet to be considered eligible for that prestigious position. Will she ever find contentment? This playful fantasia on Swan Lake examines the backstory of Odette and makes you confront her plight – how would you cope with the constraints that dictate her life? Both funny and sad, Lauren Brady gives an entrancing portrayal as the swan; a complex character desperate for love and acceptance, it’s an unpredictable and very enjoyable mix of comedy, ballet and clown. There’s also quite a bit of good-natured audience participation! 3 stars.

Will & Noah: Too Much Time on Their Phones, Underbelly, Bristo Square.Spending too much time on their phones is a smart concept on which to base a sketch show, and this is Will BF’s and Noah Geelan’s first stab at writing and performing a sketch show for themselves. They both have great comedic skills, bags of energy and plenty of confidence, which keeps the show moving at a great pace. As is always the case with a sketch show, the proof of the pudding is the number of sketches you find funny. Although there were some very funny sketches – I particularly liked the Uber sketch and the Where’s Wally sketch – unfortunately there were too many sketches that only provoked a wry smile at best. But they’re very likeable on stage, and if they can get some sharper material under their belt they will be a force to reckon with. 2 stars.

Girlz, Greenside @ George Street.Every so often, a new girl band hits the big time, from the soul groups of the 60s, to Bananarama in the 80s, The Spice Girls in the 90s, and now – Girlz! Five wannabe stars made it through the rigorous selection procedure to be part of impresario Colin Cashman’s new pop confection; but, as he makes clear, it will be hard work and they’ll have to do what they’re told, because just as easily as he created them, he could dissolve them. Daf Hughes’ exciting and lively new musical tells the story of the Girlz as they come to terms with fame, relationships, addiction, success and tragedy, and dealing with that wretched manager. This is a fantastic production with evocative lighting and costumes, a superb backing track throughout, credible songs, and a remarkable opening dance sequence choreographed by Monique Salle. Some terrific performances, including Meggie Hughes as Nicky and Daniella Mirels as Alex; and the whole show oozes that girl group vibe. 5 stars.

Oblivion Boys with Gayle Tuesday, Gilded Balloon Patter House.Nostalgia – that’s doubtless the reason we chose to see the Oblivion Boys (Stephen Frost and Mark Arden) together in a double-act for the first time in decades. They always had a touch of the surreal about their material, and they knew how to use precision timing in their frequently nonsensical exchanges. However, I’m afraid their act hasn’t aged well. There’s a lot of hitting each other – and not particularly playfully – which now comes across as barely suppressed toxic masculinity. And that pinpoint precision of delivery is now sadly absent as they mumble and stagger through a few routines. Things brightened up enormously when they introduced as their guest artiste Gayle Tuesday, legendary Page 3 stunnah, who’s shagged dozens of footballers and brings new depths to the art of shallow. A fine comic creation by Brenda Gilhooly, it’s been way too long since we’ve seen Gayle, and although her material was not quite as good as it could be, you can’t help but love the essential kindness and simplicity of the character. So it was a delight to see Gayle, but, alas, the Oblivion Boys didn’t work at all. 2 stars.