REVIEW: Spin Cycle, Berserk Theatre, EdFringe 2026 ★★★

Who doesn’t love a meet-cute? In an age of dating apps and bluetooth headphones wherever we go, Fringe theatre, and especially a piece as playful and flirtatious as Spin Cycle, feels like the perfect antidote to the endless swiping. This lesbian launderette two-hander is full of romance, drama and even a hint of the supernatural.

And how refreshing, too, to watch a play about lesbians that doesn’t have to reckon with homophobia or any questioning of sexuality. This is a pure and wholesome tale told with a free and passionate voice, which comes across clearly in its performance by Berserk Theatre’s own Rhiannon Bell and Zophia Zerphy, the writer of Spin Cycle.

The two actors have infectious chemistry from the moment their characters meet in a launderette at the start of the play, They clearly portray Kit and Noel’s instant spark which grows as they spend the duration of the washing machine’s cycle in a will-they-won’t-they dance.

It quickly becomes clear that there’s more to this relationship than the launderette can contain. Secrets and lies start to unravel as this meet-cute becomes messier than anyone could have expected.

Directed by Bethan Rose, the action moves swiftly, never lapsing in energy. The simple yet effective choices of contrasting movement and stillness allows the simmering chemistry of the couple to build. At times this fast pace and intensity feels forced; we were jolted from the initial meet-cute into explosive arguments and emotional confessions, with a lack of space given to establish a deeper understanding of each character.

I was waiting for some of the powerful themes featured, such as classism and financial imbalance within a relationship, to be teased out further, and for the dialogue to expose further nuance.

Zerphy and Bell are confident performers, creating characters who the audience can’t help but adore. This is a humorous, light-hearted new play with a unique plot full of unexpected twists and turns – not always easy to follow, but this didn’t matter as the relationship at its centre was so endearing.

While a few of the acting choices feel contrived and some of the dialogue and reactions could do with more breathing room, Spin Cycle touches on grief, regret and shame within a relationship with a gentle warmth. Its exploration of memory, what we choose to remember and choose to forget, left the audience with plenty to reflect upon.

It’s sure to leave you feeling reinvigorated and a little more hopeful that magical moments of human connection are possible amongst the small, ordinary happenings of everyday life.

Recommended Drink: A Cosmopolitan – fruity, a little tangy and very refreshing.

You can catch Spin Cycle at Underbelly, Bristo Square (Clover) from August 10-31 (Not 17) at 14:25 (60mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.