Authentic dialogue, perfectly delivered. That’s what it takes to have a hit play that stands the test of time and has audiences totally enthralled, totally engrossed and totally won over. So all credit then to Tony Roper and the cast of “The Steamie” on its 25th anniversary tour. It is, to use the local patois, pure, dead brilliant. “The Steamie” in this pacey, sizzling production brings to vivid life a time and place and way of living that is long since lost and well nigh forgotten, except as a piece of social history |inline

In all of its 49 years, the Traverse Theatre has always been to the forefront of Scottish drama, always new and innovative, always seeking new challenges. It is therefore no surprise that the new Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin has started her time at the Traverse with an extremely bold move. She has brought us a play old fashioned in style and content – a kitchen sink drama no less, complete with ironing housewife and a rural bourgeois setting. |inline

I’ve come somewhat late to “The Marriage of Figaro” currently on at the Lyceum but all the better to appreciate the way the cast have settled into their scheming roles with such obvious enthusiasm and verve. This feisty new version of Beaumarchais’ satirical 18th century play has been updated and adapted by talented young playwright DC Jackson to hugely enjoyable effect. The original comedy satirised the corrupt power of 18th century French aristocracy, and this translates perfectly to the present day shenanigans of Scottish boardroom sex and politics. DC Jackson certainly knows where to put “Louboutin” – as worn by Suzanne. |inline

This is a remarkable performance at the Traverse by a remarkable Scottish company. Lung Ha’s is a drama group for performers with learning difficulties, and “Antigone” is a complex and challenging classical play by Sophocles. In this new version of the play by Adrian Osmond, members of the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland playing music composed by Kenneth Dempster have teamed up with Lung Ha’s actors to produce a clear and challenging “Antigone” that defiantly poses the fundamental moral questions inherent to Sophocles’ work. |inline