Chapel Street

This exuberant new piece by Luke Barnes plays as two monologues: a boy and a girl stand side-by-side, the narrative snapping breathlessly back and forth between them as their worlds draw closer and closer and ultimately collide in the messy climax to a messy Friday night.

As soon as they start to speak, both Cary Crankson and Ria Zmitrowicz immediately succeed in drawing characters that are distinctive yet recognisable, humorous yet hurting, and sympathetic and yet, at the same time, pretty awful. There’s Kirsty, a teenager who really does want to get to uni but keeps getting distracted by vodka and mates, and Joe, an unemployed 20-something, dejected at still living with his mum but intent tonight on helping his demobbed pal forget the heavy stuff with one massive bender.

The pair’s comic timing is brilliant, while Barnes’ script fizzes with contemporary vitality and a sharp but generous humour. This is social commentary that never feels heavy-handed, delivered with panache.

Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug (not 14), 2.50pm, £10--£11 (£9--£10).