Star rating ****
Originally written for A Play, a Pie and a Pint at Oran Mor, Paddy Cunneen's Fleeto is a shocking portrayal of the events surrounding one stabbing in Glasgow. It tells the story of one boy so caught up in the idea of revenge, that, cheered on by his peers, he stabs and kills another boy. Fleeto is truly frightening in the way that it accurately shows how easy it is for boys to spur each other on, to whip themselves up into such a raging frenzy that all sense is lost. The almost impenetrably thick accent of the gang leader does nothing to mask the menace and rage in his voice. Being unable to understand some of his shouted stream of hatred does not save you from the knowledge of what he means.

This modern-day Iliad certainly holds its own up against Homer when it comes to the gory description of extreme violence. A clinical police report narrates the death while it is happening, forcing the audience to see what cannot be staged. The horror of death and the victims it leaves behind are clearly described. The heartbroken despair and confusion of the dead boy's mother is beautifully conveyed by Alison Peebles, whose cracked voice and desperate gestures held the audience absolutely captivated.

The drama and emotion of the characters so utterly fixate that the nervous giggles of the younger members of the audience at the strong language soon give way to fascinated silence. When the play ends, there is a feeling of relief, so tense has the performance been. This is a wonderfully acted and, sadly, scarily truthful play.