PALS, Downstairs at Gilded Balloon Patter House Review
Written by Kerry McLaughlin for Theatre & Tonic
Opening with a Scooby doo gang costume mix-up, PALS pulls you straight into the dynamics of its four characters and personality clashes. The show leads us through Sadie, Claire, Taylor, and Flo’s hike after a few too many drinks the night before.
In its second run at the fringe, the show deals with the pending doom many of us feel in our twenties of stalling, struggling to find our thing in life. This is achieved with a strong sense of Scottish flair by writer Mirren Wilson, who allows the audience to connect with each character and the flaws that make them human.
Olivia McIntosh and Olivia Caw, who joined the show this year, slip seamlessly into their roles, honouring last year’s work while bringing their own style and uniqueness to the piece. Amy Glass and Shelley Middler are just as strong in their roles as last year, providing constant laughs and the childlike wonder we feel when we’re with the ones we love.
At its heart, PALS is about how our friendships mature with age; it delivers something distinct without alienating its audience with Scottish slang or references. Even with the technical difficulties suffered in the last, emotional moment of the show, the cast doubled down on the laughs bringing a warm hug sort of feeling to the piece.
PALS plays at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 12 August.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
