SQUAT!
★★★☆☆ Dynamic
theSpace on the Mile (Venue 39): Mon 24 – Sat 29 Aug 2026
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
SQUAT! is a lively and dynamic new play by Benedict Hoesl from Balancing Act Theatre at theSpace on the Mile, that delves into the different ways that men grieve.
Five young lads come together after their best friend’s funeral to drink away their pain but, with each man reacting differently to this loss, chaos ensues. The lads have excellent chemistry under Hoesl’s own direction as his script sensitively explores the process of grief, male vulnerability and friendship.
Squat! Pic: Airlie Duff.
The quintet create a clear, strongly formed, and believable friend group, with distinct characters who have their own separate issues and copying mechanism. Tom (David Clarkson) is an emotional wreck while Luke Davidson’s Fabian is constantly on the phone to his heavily pregnant girlfriend.
Blake (Giorgio Manzi) is a sex addict; and Honey (Arran Hogg) is more concerned with convincing the – most likely straight – Maddox (Logan Craik) to come-out, proving he’s a “true ally”; whereas Maddox is angry at the rest of the group’s behaviour. Each actor holds strong in their characterisation, all commanding the stage in this dynamic and energetically directed play.
Honey and Maddox’s storylines intersect the most, but besides from potentially being gay, Maddox has little development. There are also numerous, and quite constant, gay jokes throughout this lad-culture production surrounding these two men that do not feel justified.
deep issues
There are further deep issues similar to this in the script, such as vitriolic comments about sex workers that are never further explored or pushed back against by any member of the friend group. Although this might represent how the average male friend group talks to one another, it is presented as a definitive opinion rather than a polarising stereotype.
The complete lack of critique of these comments, even from Blake who is engaged to this woman, suggests that this outdated and sexist viewpoint is universally held. It feels surprising that this isn’t something which dramaturg Adam Rosa didn’t address during the development process.
Squat! Pic: Airlie Duff.
Uncomfortable stances apart, Hoesl’s writing and direction is tight, funny, and spirited. Grief is explored with compassion, although without too much depth, which would surely be addressed if this was expanded into a longer production.
The only times where the strong, fluid action stops moving forward are during the skilfully crafted monologues, where the direct address is met with spotlights on the given man. This technical choice pulls from the flow of the production, which is otherwise fast-paced and engaging.
energetic
SQUAT! is a highly entertaining, energetic production that highlights important issues surrounding male friendship and vulnerability. It sensitively explores grief, but fails to similarly sensitively explore the topics featured that stray from male, hetero-normative culture. With this brilliant cast and stellar direction, SQUAT! could shine if it were to have a more thoughtful development of its script.
Running time: 50 minutes (no interval).
theSpace on the Mile (Space 3), 80 High St, EH1 1TH (Venue 39).
Monday 24 – Saturday 29 August 2026.
Daily: 10.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Balancing Act website: balancing-act-theatre
Facebook: @Balancing-Act-Theatre
Instagram: @balancingacttheatre
Squat! Pic: Airlie Duff.
ENDS
