A Dinner, A Drama and A Dram Press 2007

TARGETS, ORAN MOR, Glasgow

The world of financial services really doesn't lend itself to high drama, so full marks to Alma Cullen for writing an absorbing little play in which big business isn't just the backdrop, but is central to the story. A luxury flat in Glasgow is the setting for a charged encounter between its young female resident and a man who, earlier the same day, interviewed her for a senior position.

The interview is due to continue the following day, but he's dropped by on false pretences, intending to ask a few questions of a more personal nature. She's remarkably perceptive, picking up on every nuance of his behaviour - while apparently unable to keep her own in check. "Me and my big mouth," she scolds herself after casually but thoroughly eviscerating two of her rivals for the job while pouring her guest another drink of premium vodka.
The gorgeous Lisa Gardner is perfectly cast as this single-minded femme fatale. If her performance seems a shade unconvincing at first - heightened, somehow, and excessively articulate - then the unravelling of the plot makes it clear why. She's well-matched by Paul Morrow as the senior manager who thinks he holds all of the cards, but has underestimated his opponent.

This three-act brainteaser has as many twists and turns as you'd expect from a writer whose TV credits include Inspector Morse and A Touch of Frost, and astute audience members might be able to second-guess a few of them. However, this doesn't feel like a leftover telly script reworked for the stage - it's a pleasingly theatrical experience that's entertaining, not too challenging, and given a polished, professional production for A Play, a Pie and a Pint. It runs until next Tuesday.

The Herald.