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Inexperience

 
Joy Watters Review by Joy Watters 4 Published: 22 Jun 2026 Pitlochry Festival Theatre Show Dates: 13 Jun 2026-4 Jul 2026

Carpe diem or just carp? Grasp love and life with both hands, or hide away, safe in the knowledge that nothing can touch or hurt you? Award-winning Scots writer Douglas Maxwell's new work, premiering at PFT's Studio Theatre, is a beautifully observed thinking-person's romcom: provoking, moving and comic by turns.

A beautifully-observed thinking persons' rom com, provoking, moving and comic by turns

It begins in 1995 at a Glasgow student party as confident Iris (Sophie Fortune), celebrating her 21st birthday, meets shy partygoer Robin (Alexander Tait). She posits the notion of a relationship between the pair involving no physical touch, only the promise of connection.

Fortune convincingly weaves together the overconfidence and doubt of the young woman. Tait too is a delight, so shy in his new, oversized party shirt, relishing the fact that Iris is even talking to him and warming to the subject of touch. They move around each other, establishing "the charge" while keeping their distance.

That's the thing about Sally Reid's assured direction: it creates a network of thoroughly recognisable characters from a company of just four actors.

We next see the same couple in middle age. Former law student Robin (Sandy Grierson) is now working at court as a sheriff clerk. His father is a judge, but Robin has eschewed the elevated path, choosing instead the civil service and administration, with all the constraints of procedure and a job where he can keep himself to himself.

Iris, now played by Adura Onashile, pitches up at court supporting a young climate protester who is standing trial for a spot of paint-throwing.

The couple are shocked to meet again. Grierson perfectly conveys the clerk who cloisters himself daily within the court, perfectly happy to be bound by ancient rules rather than feelings. He is repeatedly taken aback by Iris's forthright behaviour, constantly looking over his shoulder.

Iris, meanwhile, has had a husband or two, is confident yet chaotic, and repeatedly runs away from crisis. Onashile's performance sensitively shows Iris finally taking control of her life.

She and Robin meet after court and go back to his house. The following day we see a new man, open to everything and able to discuss life and love. The initial discussion about touch is resumed.

Meanwhile, the climate activist's court case has taken a dramatic and hilarious turn. The young Iris and Robin, Fortune and Tait, each take on another brace of roles. Tait's Arthur, a young lad working at the court, is a hoot.

There's never a dull moment as Maxwell's portrait of Scottish life and love, buoyed by his relish for language, keeps Inexperience constantly engaging.

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The Blurb:

Inexperience by award-winning playwright Douglas Maxwell is a witty and heartfelt romantic comedy about touch, memory, and the choices that shape a life.

Robin doesn’t do mess. Not in his house, not in his work, not in his heart. A meticulous Sheriff Clerk, he keeps himself apart—safe, orderly, untouchable. Until Iris walks back into his life.

Iris is Robin’s opposite: impulsive, passionate, always chasing the next cause or connection. Back in the 90s, when they were students, she made Robin a daring promise: they could only ever touch once. Just once, in their entire lives—in an attempt to preserve a spark that usually fades. Iris forgot. Robin never did.

Now, decades later, that one perfect touch may finally be within reach. But can a single moment live up to a lifetime of anticipation?

Inexperience is a moving, playful exploration of intimacy in a culture where physical contact is anything but simple. With humour, warmth, and emotional bite, Maxwell asks: what’s the best way to live? Do you dive into life’s chaos, or stay apart and unscathed?