This show-within-a-show explores the pressure on artists to mine their own trauma to create material ‘that audiences will care about’; specifically, middle-class audiences who can sit back and pity working-class experiences from a comfortable distance. Abigail’s mother has died, leaving her daughter (a playwright) struggling to organise the funeral without the money to fund it. Here’s where it gets meta: Abigail decides to write a play about this experience to secure a theatre commission, which she hopes will fund the funeral itself.

This clever plot device creates both comedic moments and deeper reflections on class and the theatre industry. However, the constantly shifting layers of story and meta-story can be confusing at times, making it challenging to follow the narrative. Kelly Jones’ writing is strongest in the poignant scenes exploring Abigail’s relationship with her mother. Debra Baker’s performance stands out in her shapeshifting roles between Abigail’s carefree mother and the luvvie actor who is playing her within the ‘show’. However, audiences may be left wanting to see more of their relationship; the focus on the institution of theatre, while insightful, means we probably see less of the personal connections between the characters than we might. 

My Mother’s Funeral: The Show, Roundabout @ Summerhall, until 26 August, 2.40pm; main picture: Rebecca Need-Menear.