Ellen Leslie
A tender new play exploring platonic love and the impact of grief, Pajama Talks follows childhood best friends Abbie and Nina as they look back at memories of their sleepovers. From staying up after lights out and making pinky promises that they will always be there for each other, to stealing their mum’s makeup bag and sharing disastrous first kiss stories, the show is packed with highly relatable moments that make us reminisce on our own childhood sleepovers and friendships.
The play begins with a woman that we later find out is Nina carrying a cardboard box onto the stage. She sets it down and begins to unpack it, but due to the layout of the theatre, the majority of the audience cannot see what’s happening: even those in the front row are craning their necks. It is not until she flicks through a diary and two girls spring into life, that we realise she is looking back on old memories.
There are strong performances from the four cast members, but the actress playing Abbie steals the show. She perfectly captures the restless energy of a child, and is constantly on the go. This is gradually toned down during the play as Abbie gets older. While she often forgets to think before she speaks, she is kind-hearted, and apologises when she realises that she’s upset Nina.
On the other hand, Nina is the antithesis to Abbie. Where Abbie is adventurous, Nina is much more cautious and afraid of getting into trouble, best evidenced by her reluctance to swing on the monkey bars after her mum’s cautionary tale about another child falling off and breaking their arm. Despite their contrasting natures, their bond is unbreakably strong. They have so much respect and understanding for each other. It’s not like the typical trope where the popular girl befriends the shy girl, but still belittles her; Abbie genuinely loves Nina and is lost when she’s not by her side. It’s lovely to see this loyalty portrayed on stage, especially considering all the conflict and intolerance in the world today.
It may have been the lighting, but I thought the actress who played older Nina looked more like younger Abbie, and vice versa. It doesn’t help that their personalities have changed; Nina is more carefree and keen to delve into uncomfortable memories, whereas Abbie is much more subdued, sticking to their safe, happy memories. Although they both do a good job at conveying their emotions, it is confusing to keep track of who is who.
Pajama Talks is a sweet and heartwarming play, filled with emotional, poignant moments and a healthy dose of nostalgia. You’ll leave the theatre with a renewed appreciation for your childhood best friends, and a longing to be as carefree as the young girls.
Recommended drink: your favourite hot drink to match the play’s cosy vibe.
Performances of Pajama Talks have now concluded at EdFringe 2026.
Image credit: Anna Barrett
Freddie Haberfellner
Bethany Ramsay
