Returning to the Edinburgh Fringe after a successful 2024 debut, PALS by Mirren Wilson is a raucous, heartfelt, and distinctly Scottish celebration of female friendship, grief, and the healing power of nature. Presented by Higgledy Piggledy Productions, this 70-minute one-act play is staged at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose and once again proves why it’s a standout in the Fringe’s new writing category.
Set against the rugged backdrop of the West of Scotland, PALS follows Sadie and her three friends, Taylor, Claire, and Flo, on what begins as a Scooby-Doo-themed fancy dress party plan but quickly turns into a spontaneous hillwalking adventure. For Sadie, whose mother is ill, the hike is more than just a diversion; it’s a return to something deeply personal, a ritual once shared with her mum. As the group climbs, so too do the emotional stakes, with laughter, bickering, and moments of raw vulnerability peppered throughout.
Olivia McIntosh gives a compelling performance as Sadie, grounding the play with poignant monologues that break the fourth wall and offer insight into her inner turmoil. Her declaration, “I feel strong now,” delivered mid-climb, is a quietly triumphant moment that encapsulates the play’s emotional arc.
The ensemble cast is uniformly strong, with Olivia Caw and Shelley Middler (Claire and Flo) delivering some of the biggest laughs thanks to their impeccable comic timing. Amy Glass’s portrayal of the self-absorbed Taylor is both hilarious and painfully recognisable. The chemistry among the four is electric, and their interactions feel authentic, like real pals you might overhear on a train or in a pub.
Wilson’s script is sharp, funny, and unafraid to be crude when it needs to be. The humour is rooted in a very Scottish sensibility; earthy, unfiltered, and deeply human. The inclusion of Gaelic phrases adds texture without feeling forced, and the music, composed by Étáin Saoirse Sweeney, enhances the atmosphere beautifully.
While the play could benefit from a slight trim, its emotional payoff and thematic resonance more than justify the runtime. It’s a piece that speaks to the unspoken struggles many young women face, wrapped in a package of laughter and muddy boots. Catch Pals before it before it disappears over the hill – this is a Fringe adventure worth taking.
