one4review | On 04, Aug 2025

86, presented by And So On Theatre in collaboration with Oor Theatre, is a lively, ensemble-driven piece set in the Windsor Arms Bistro on a chaotic New Year’s Eve. Six weary staff members, called in unexpectedly to cover an extra shift, find themselves blowing off steam – cracking open beers, singing karaoke, and navigating tangled relationships after the last customer has gone.

Performed in the intimate Space 1 at The Space on the Mile, the production played to a packed and responsive audience. This is quintessential Fringe: bold, energetic and unpolished in a way that adds to its charm.

The acting was enthusiastic, though varied in strength, and the script, while full of vibrant exchanges, could at times be hard to follow. There were moments where the story’s direction felt unclear and character motivations were a little difficult to pin down. That said, there was a real spark in the dialogue – hints of old flames, lingering resentment and undercurrents of affection – giving the performance emotional texture.

The play thrives on atmosphere and energy rather than tidy resolutions. A karaoke break mid-show added levity, while the characters’ abandoned attempts at sharing New Year’s resolutions underscored the tension simmering beneath the surface.

86 may not always cohere narratively, but it captures something truthful about messy friendships, unresolved feelings, and the kind of night that spirals in unexpected directions. And, if all else fails, there’s always a game of pool.

***

Reviewed by Howard

The Space on the Mile, Space 1

13.35 to 14.35

Until 9th August