Something from nothing

Paul Blair dressed as a surly cat; lesbian fantasies; talk of Israeli bombers; failed relationships and a musical number featuring The Black And White Minstrels are just some of the surreal moments in Anthony Neilson's wickedly funny, though textually slight, take on the everyday.

Realism is not as substantial, moving or theatrically inventive as Neilson's previous Edinburgh hit The Wonderful World Of Dissocia, with which it shares many traits. In truth, Realism is a play about nothing and at times it shows.

Set one Saturday, we're given an insight into the mind of Stuart (Stuart McQuarrie) as he lazes about in his flat. His mutterings about the gas board being "a bunch of c***s" manifest into an all-singing, alldancing interlude. His thoughts on love and his regrets at leaving his previous girlfriends take on a colourful dramatic hue.

Neilson has said he'd rather put something ambitious, if flawed, on the stage than play it safe. With Realism he manages to do just that. Alan Chadwick

Until Sat, Royal Lyceum Theatre, 7.30pm, Thu and Sat mats 2.30pm, £7.50 to £24. www.eif.co.uk

Realism
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh