Troubled is a varied and candid portrait of living with depression and borderline personality disorder, told through vignettes of the characters in protagonist Alice’s life; and those in her head. In the space of an hour, we encounter a teenage girl who doesn't realise the danger of her situation, take a truthful look at addiction and watch a love story with an unexpectedly happy ending. 

Playing Alice in this one-woman show, Suzy Crothers creates a safe space for the audience both physically and mentally from the outset, dispersing tea and biscuits accompanied by well-crafted jokes that offer a magical sense of wonder. She flawlessly switches between multiple characters, times and viewpoints throughout, at a pace that is comfortably engaging. 

Slowly, the cheery comedy is contrasted by the traumatic effect of The Troubles in Northern Ireland on those who lived through them. It becomes a central theme of the piece as Alice realises the impact these events have had on her spiralling mental health. While more context on the historical events would be helpful, Troubled is still a comfortable hug of a show; a little daft yet very endearing. It might even change your life a little.

Troubled, Summerhall, until 25 August, 11.45am; main picture: Rich Lakos.