Energetic and entertaining, Speed Dial is a comedy-thriller performed by a dexterous five-person cast. Set in the 1970s, the play follows the journey of professor-turned-amateur-detective James Cartwright who, as well as battling imposter syndrome on campus, must save his kidnapped daughter.

Adept at physical theatre, sometimes the actors collaborate to portray the inner workings of the protagonist’s anxious mind. For the most part, the choreography is fantastic, especially in a masked ball sequence. However, as the plot progresses and the actors leave their mark on various characters, it becomes jarring to see them come back together in such an abstract way to represent someone’s mind.  

^{Pictures: Harry Plowden}

The characters are well defined and even the actors playing multiple roles have a lot to chew on. Elle Dillon-Reams, who plays both the highly-strung professor and the no-nonsense groundskeeper, is particularly impressive. While this ‘whodunnit’ plot doesn’t offer anything strikingly original, and the ending is somewhat predictable, on the whole this show is contagiously joyful and has a broad appeal. The actors are obviously relishing their time on stage, and audiences of all generations will be swept up in the experience.  

Pleasance Dome, until 29 August, 2.20pm.