Square Go

• Nyla Ahmad
• 15 August 2018

This article is from 2018.

Time for a ruck in the playground

Max and Stevie are in the school toilets, awaiting Max's first square go with school hardman Danny Guthrie, who is no doubt going to give him a 'guaranteed pumping'. With the scent of Lynx Africa in the air and a strawberry lace in mouth, Square Go dismantles small town toxic masculinity with an uppercut of humour.

The two main characters are instantly likable: Stevie's incorrect use of words is perpetually endearing while Max's quick comebacks and his fear of playground consequence has a boyish charm. There's an ever-present boisterousness, with its tongue firmly in cheek.

The production on Square Go is impeccable: the music, composed by members of Frightened Rabbit, fits smoothly with the tone and pace. The play has a strong sense of identity and a certain swagger. With references to wrestling and VLs (virgin lips), Square Go disarms male violence and macho posturing in a way which celebrates the joy of youth, which provides a nostalgia for being a 13 year old and not yet realising the world is bigger than everyone you know. Square Go is a play which pulls no punches and has heart pouring out of its gym bag.

Roundabout at Summerhall, until 26 Aug, 8.20pm, £17–£15 (£12–£10)