The Belle’s Stratagem

In troubled times, a good laugh is called for; so if you have ever loved or hated Edinburgh, or tangled with gender politics, don’t miss the chance to spend an evening with the indomitable women of the New Town circa 1788, as they strut their stuff at the Lyceum in Tony Cownie’s no-holds-barred new version of this 1780 city comedy by rare female playwright Hannah Cowley. Neil Murray’s costumes are wild and glorious, and the one-line jokes even better, as Cownie directs an unbeatable cast of top Scottish comic actors, led by Pauline Knowles and Nicola Roy as the inimitable George Street merry widows, Racket and Ogle. Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh, until 10 March, 0131-248 4848

Joyce Mcmillan