Shotgunned theatre review: Intimate whirlwind romance
This sentimental, down-to-earth two-hander looks into messy situationships and the trials and tribulations of modern love
Director Matt Anderson took Shotgunned to the Fringe in 2024 and sold out the whole run. Returning this year as part of the Made In Scotland showcase, this homegrown two-hander offers a thorough dissection of the before, during and after stages of a turbulent relationship.
Roz (Lorna Panton) and Dylan (Fraser Allan Hogg) first meet at a party. Roz, switched on and driven, is in an unsatisfying situationship, while the gormless Dylan has been freshly dumped. The pair step outside for a smoke, attempting to flirt as they stumble their way through awkward small talk. What starts with the swapping of phone numbers soon blossoms into a relationship, and Panton and Allan Hogg are entirely believable as a young couple looking to make things work, while struggling against the realities of adulthood.
Shotgunned is well paced, making good use of a contorted timeline that jumps between stages of Roz and Dylan’s relationship. Perhaps avoid booking a show immediately after this one though; you may wish to take half an hour to sit in a pub, nurse a half pint and think about your ex.
Shotgunned, Assembly George Square Studios, until 30 August, 3.10pm.