Equal parts candid, funny and poignant, this solo show traces the unique relationship between Milanka Brooks and her flamboyant Serbian mother Lela. Milanka doesn’t talk to her mother anymore (hence the title), but she does channel her, flitting in and out of character for this hour. Her ability to switch between Serbian and British accents is impressive, as is her ability to weave humour into some very intense moments. 

It helps that the show begins with Milanka playing her mother, gleefully distributing Slivovitz, a very strong Serbian drink purported to be the solution to life, the universe and everything. It’s not long before Milanka herself makes her entrance, launching into the story of her free-spirited mother and their many gripes with each other.

An engaging account of personal history, her character work and physical comedy are exceptional, leaving the audience in splits even as she fails to do splits like her mother, all while maintaining a strong connection to the dramatic arc of the show. The act is not only a touching exploration of the tumultuous bond between a mother and daughter, but it evolves into much more as a portrait of a woman who chooses hope and joy at every opportunity. 

Milanka Brooks: Mum And I Don’t Talk Anymore, Assembly George Square, until 25 August, 2.50pm.