THREE Traverse productions stood out for their acute dialogue and superb performances. Mouthpiece, Kieran Hurley’s two-hander has Libby (Neve McIntosh), a fortyish word-blocked writer, saved from suicide by Declan (Lorn Macdonald), a young down-and-out with an unrecognised artistic talent.

As Libby becomes increasingly interested in his life, she begins to see a play emerging. Throughout Libby informs the audience of how drama works. Declan, at first flattered and warming to her attention, realises that he is being used – a subject rather than a person.

A stunning dramatic climax is set in The Traverse itself — a play within a play — where Libby, at the question and answer session after the premiere of her successful production, faces a semi-hysterical but cruelly articulate Declan whose life she realises she has stolen.