Ellen LeslieWritten by Kathryn Holme, Prizeis a dark comedy that takes place at a village tea dance. When the grand raffle prize (a bottle of whiskey) mysteriously disappears, the committee’s chair-person Joan is determined to find the culprit. With help from Margaret and Penny, she embarks on a thorough investigation to retrieve the whiskey and save the raffle. Expect dodgy quiche, shocking secrets, and a puzzle of Edinburgh Castle with the edge pieces missing that keeps turning up on the raffle table (much to Joan’s annoyance) in this highly entertaining play.
Holme’s script is highly entertaining, and her characterisation of the three women is a highlight. Joan is a typical uptight, strong-willed committee chairperson, flogging raffle tickets to the attendees as if her life depends on it. Penny’s brazenness is hilarious; her lack of filter results in many lines that make the audience laugh out loud. Margaret is often the voice of reason, grounding the women when their ideas become too ridiculous. They are all incredibly likeable, and each bring something different to the friendship, which all fits together beautifully.
There are a few discussions of the relationship problems that the women have faced, such as coercive control and infidelity. This is cleverly linked to the plot, and helps us to make sense of why the characters behave like they do. For the most part, it doesn’t feel too heavy, although the casual way that they gossip about a man publicly berating his wife for donating a good bottle of whiskey to the raffle, is uncomfortable to watch.
Better lighting would help to set the scene even further. It’s not clear that Joan is in an interrogation scene near the start, and I was very confused why one of the other actors was shining a torch on her face. Similarly, the play would benefit from some background music to further show that it takes place at a tea dance, and make some of the transitions between scenes less awkward.
Although it touches on more serious issues, Prize is overall a light, funny show. It’s a joy to see stories that prominently feature older women on stage, and the actors certainly do their characters justice. It’s not the most polished performance, but it has lots of charm and heart. Make sure to keep hold of your raffle tickets though: you might win one of Joan’s prizes!
Recommended Drink: Cherryade—as long as you don’t spill it down someone’s dress.
Performances of Prize have concluded at Dundee Fringe 2026.
Image Credit: Peter Williams
Shay Mace
