Bonnie wakes up on a stripped bed, groggy, unable to remember the previous night. Her friends, coddling Rachel and forthright Jen, set her straight: after a wild party, she blacked out. Case closed. But Bonnie knows something isn’t right. As does the audience: Covenant opens to snatches of chilling news reports from a dystopian, not-too-distant future Britain where abortion is now illegal and ending a pregnancy results in severe jail time.

TPTC, a female-led theatre company co-founded by Laura Walker and Isabelle Cory, have chosen a particularly resonant theme to explore in Covenant. And though there are occasional slips into didacticism (Rachel’s monologues are the biggest culprit), the piece is utterly compelling, anchored by impressive performances and palpable chemistry. The dialogue is razor sharp, and it’s easy to forget (as Bonnie, Rachel and Jen clamour over and interrupt each other) that it’s all a staged production. 

As the friendship between the trio is shattered and reaffirmed in turn, the sordid atmosphere of a soured party is aptly conveyed through claustrophobic lighting and sound choices. And though the piece would have benefitted from a few extra minutes to fully resolve itself, Covenant is a true theatrical gem.

Covenant, Greenside @ George Street, until 24 August, 12.50pm.