Heartbreak Soup

Two little boys…

Cuddy is lying on a hospital bed, waiting. For what, we don't know, but as the play unfolds a heartbreaking story emerges of a childhood led in slow motion, due to a congenital heart defect. Which all sounds very serious and tragic - and is, of course - but not in Heartbreak Soup.

This energetic and perfectly paced two-hander is full of joy and spirit. Dressed in pyjamas, 11-year-old Cuddy and his mysterious 12-year-old pal Dan look back over Cuddy's favourite memories - all accessed through a series of colourful draws under his metal NHS bed. Despite the weighty subject matter, writer and director, Laura Lindow doesn't get bogged down in medical jargon or excess sentimentality.

Even the closing moments, when the full tear-jerking details are revealed, her use of metaphor gives Heartbreak Soup a real lightness of touch and magical poignancy.

Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 25 Aug (not 14), 11.30am, £7.50 (£6).

More: Kids, Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Edinburgh Festivals, Fringe, Heartbreak Soup

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