one4review | On 23, Aug 2026

This show is located in the fans bar of Edinburgh Football club, Heart of Midlothian and is the perfect location for a play set in a local pub “The Arms”.

This is 2 interlinked plays, the first being a one man show and the second featuring 2 very talented actresses playing several parts.

The first half is entitled “Moved” and is set on an open mic night in the Arms, Paul Beesons performance is incredible as he talks us through the football season with stories of love and passion for his family, friends and for his beloved football team.

There are many people in the audience that made the same emotional journey last season, and you can feel the pride, hurt and anger in every part of the room.

Beesons character Mal is a stereotypical salt of the earth 50 something football fan and as we touch on the subjects of mental health, sexuality and isolation with humour, there also some darker scenes where we truly see the talents of Beeson.

The second half “A Season in Bloom” features Ria McLeod and Jenna Stones who effortlessly switch between the many characters within the play to powerfully tell the story of women’s experiences of a football club whether as a fan, a board member, a member of the media or the barmaid in the local pub.

The scenes are both funny and touching, none funnier the character of the bedraggled journalist or more touching than the mum who wants all her family to share the experience of what could be a monumental way for all those connected to Hearts.

This play is not going to deliver that happy ending and in the closing scenes we see the emotions and hurt not only in the cast but also several members of the audience who will feel the hurt of that incredible season for years to come.

This is obviously a perfect show for a football fan but its much more than that, it’s a story of community, a sense of belonging, hope, joy and disappointment,

*****

Reviewed by Louise Heathcote

1874 Bar, Tynecastle Park

19.30 (2 hours) 23rd, 28th, 30th 31st