In PALS (Perfectly Average Lassies of Scotland – their words, not mine!) we meet four pals – Sadie (Olivia McIntosh), Claire (Olivia Caw), Taylor (Amy Glass) and Flo (Shelley Middler). Each of them has their own stuff going on – Sadie’s struggling with her mum’s declining health and wants to relive their old hiking trips, Claire’s processing a recent diagnosis that could change her future, Taylor’s obsessed with keeping up appearances on Instagram and Flo’s having a rough time at work.

Sadie convinces the gang to head off on a hike in the West of Scotland, hoping it’ll be the break they all need. As they walk, talk, bicker and laugh, we start to see what’s really going on beneath the surface. Sadie narrates the journey throughout, sharing tender flashbacks of hiking with her mum and snapping photos along the way attempting to make new memories. Olivia McIntosh gives a tender performance making Sadie’s story hit the hardest for me.

The other three, while full of energy, felt less clearly defined to me. At times, their personalities blurred together, with overlapping dialogue and a constant struggle to be heard. This made it a bit tricky to connect with them individually and I found myself less invested in their storylines. Still, they brought plenty of laughs and the audience was clearly enjoying their banter.

Overall, PALS is one of those shows that’ll feel really relatable for young women navigating their early twenties. I might be slightly past that stage (yikes), but it still brought back some funny and similar memories I’ve had with my own gal pals (cue numerous attempts at pitching tents at festivals). PALS captures the mix of vulnerability, hilarity and discovery that comes from stepping out into the world with your closest friends, unsure of what’s ahead.

PALS is produced by Higgledy Piggledy Productions who are an emerging theatre company specialising in female-led theatre – catch it until 12^th August at Gilded Balloon Patter House, Doonstairs. Tickets available here!