one4review | On 13, Aug 2026

Thermodrama takes four very different characters and places them together in the pressure-cooker environment of a sauna, with intriguing results.

Pete is a muscular young man obsessed with fitness, convinced that his punishing routines and regular sauna sessions will extend his life. Half-sisters Sophie and Jen arrive, with frequent sauna-user Sophie soon more interested in attracting Pete’s attention than listening to what her increasingly agitated sister is trying to tell her. The arrival of an injured stranger changes the atmosphere dramatically, revealing his connection to Jen and taking the play into much darker territory. Underpinning the action is an underlying message about wellness, self-improvement and our attempts to control mortality.

The staging is excellent. Summerhall’s already warm venue helps create the sensation that we are sharing the sauna with the four actors, while clever lighting and bursts of steam add effectively to the increasingly claustrophobic atmosphere.

The performances are enthusiastic and accomplished, although I occasionally found the dialogue a little difficult to hear over the sound effects.

Judging by the enthusiastic audience response, Thermodrama certainly found its temperature and is certainly worth a late night trip to Summerhall.

*****
Reviewed by Rona

Summerhall – Old Lab

Until 31st August (not 18t and 25th)

10.30pm (1 hour)