For Dolores at Traverse Theatre Review
At Traverse Theatre, presented by Dublin’s Fishamble, For Dolores explores the intense, dependent relationship between two young women who meet in a broken-down lift in their first week at Edinburgh University. The friendship between Scottish Mo and Irish Réaltín is, as they admit themselves, an unlikely one, but it is one that endures. Their (at times, slightly ambiguous) bond is tested to its limit as they encounter early adult life together, ultimately exploring love and forgiveness with an incredible sensitivity.
Eva O’Connor’s writing is clever and consistently witty, allowing moments of genuine hurt and emotional intensity to emerge all the more powerfully through their juxtaposition with humour. The play is non-linear and we alternate between dialogue and reminiscent monologues, feeding the audience information gradually as we piece together the reality of Mo and Realtin’s life together, their “chosen family”. Alyson Cummins’ set places actors on an elevated stage surrounded by objects that chart the characters’ relationship, grounding the story recounted to us in tangibility.
Jim Culleton’s sensitive exploration of Mo and Réaltín’s relationship is one of the play’s greatest strengths. Their connection defies any label, and highlights the intensity and volatility of love in all its forms. This culminates in their love for Dolores, Réaltín’s daughter, who is both literally and symbolically at the centre of their relationship. The play’s description of Réaltín’s experience of motherhood and postpartum are particularly affecting, performed beautifully by Lara McDonnell. Catriona Faint’s Mo is bolshy and unpredictable, but her bravado is interspersed with a stunning vulnerability and tenderness. Both actors seem entirely at ease in their roles, with natural and genuine performances that pack an emotional punch. They move effortlessly between the shifts in time and emotional extremes, navigated seamlessly by Culleton’s excellent direction. The intensity of Mo and Réaltín’s relationship is conveyed by their incredible chemistry, and the production highlights well the dependency so often present in young women’s friendships.
The play builds to a heartbreaking climax, the perfect resolution to a story that explores love and loss with such rawness and heart. For Dolores is sharp, engaging and devastating – it is undoubtably a highlight of Fringe 2026.
For Dolores plays at the Traverse Theatre until 30 August
★★★★★
Written by Madeleine for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
