one4review | On 10, Aug 2026

The spacious but hot venue within stunning Summerhall is set out with props to take you right into the living room of Anne Garrick, now a single mother living with her 5-year-old son Max.

Anne is visited by a child protection social worker named Liam Hegarty who has set up a camera to film his interview with Anne in relation to her son having a bruise on his chin. Hegarty accepts a biscuit and a glass of milk before they start, the glass of milk seems odd but has significance at the end of the show. Hegarty then starts the interview and goes through a series of questions, Anne seems perplexed and confused by the line of questioning and becomes defensive. Hegarty tries to assure Anne he is there for the best interests of her and Max, he also informs her that he was once in a children’s home, inferring he has 1st hand knowledge of what’s best for children. They stop for a bit and Hegarty gives Anne a brief insight into his own family including his daughter that has Cerebral palsy. He shows Anne a picture of his daughter but Anne sees something on his phone that surprises her.

At this point there is a real to and from battle of personalities between Anne and Hegarty like a never-ending tennis rally, you really think you are watching a genuine social work interview, the performance is so good and believable your allegiances jump from one to the other as they both struggle to gain the upper hand. Hegarty has done his homework and has consulted with the police and the school before visiting Anne, this puts her on the backfoot, the information he has gained appears to be damaging and when Anne is caught telling some evasive lies, it looks like she is in danger of losing Max.

Anne is desperate and lays everything on the line, she tries to blackmail Hegarty before making him an offer she thought he could not refuse, instead he makes a bizarre counter offer but when she agrees it soon becomes apparent why. The show was already very good up to this point but the ending was unexpected and brought the house down.

An excellent performance from both actors with a storyline that has twists and turns throughout, a credit to all involved.

****1/2
Reviewed by Steve.J.
Summerhall Tech Cube
Until 31st August (not 18 or 25)
16.20 (1 hour)