one4review | On 12, Aug 2026

Kathleen Ruddy’s The Cut of Her Jib is a brisk and entertaining dark comedy that combines a missing-husband mystery with sharp observations about marriage, relationships and female independence.

Set in Edinburgh, the play introduces us to Belinda Crabbs, whose husband Kelvin has disappeared. Her domestic situation becomes more complicated when her cleaner, Barbara, arrives, and the two women find themselves trying to piece together what might have happened. As their conversation develops, it becomes apparent that Kelvin’s disappearance may not be quite the straightforward mystery it first appears.

The heart of the production is the relationship between Belinda and Barbara. Ruddy has written a lively two-hander, packed with well-timed one-liners and an increasingly uninhibited exchange between the two women. Belinda’s fondness for gin certainly helps to loosen her inhibitions, allowing some fruity revelations and language to emerge as the dialogue progresses.

Both performances are excellent, with the actors clearly relishing the comic possibilities of the script. There is a lovely sense of chemistry between them, and the humour never feels forced. At the same time, the developing mystery provides enough substance to prevent the piece becoming simply a succession of jokes. Small revelations gradually change our perception of Kelvin and the relationship at its centre, building towards a satisfying climax.

Ruddy successfully keeps the action moving, and at just 50 minutes the production is economical without feeling rushed. If anything, it is almost too economical: just as the characters and their increasingly entertaining predicament have really taken hold, the show is over.

The Cut of Her Jib is a joyful, well-performed piece of Fringe comedy that delivers plenty of laughs while keeping its underlying mystery alive. A thoroughly enjoyable 50 minutes and one I’d definitely recommend catching

****
Reviewed by Howard
Stephenson Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall

Until 22nd August (not 16th)
Various Times (50 mins)