Good With Faces Play Explores Mother-Social Worker Power Dynamic

Oisín Kearney's play "Good With Faces" presents a tense psychological thriller centered on a meeting between a mother, Garrick, and a social worker, Hegarty. The two-hander, performed with precision and an unsettling edge, unfolds in Garrick's living room, which has been hastily tidied, with children's toys concealed under the sofa. The referral stems from a bruise on Garrick's son, initiating a procedure that Hegarty describes as being "for internal use." From the outset, every exchange is laden with suspicion, with even the pronunciation of a common biscuit brand, "bourbon," becoming a point of scrutiny. This meticulous attention to detail underscores the play's exploration of power dynamics and underlying tensions.

The production, staged at Summerhall in Edinburgh, is written and directed by Oisín Kearney, who previously collaborated with Michael Patrick on the 2018 fringe hit "My Left Nut." That earlier work, which transferred to television, suggests "Good With Faces" possesses similar potential for broader adaptation. The Guardian's review highlights the assured nature of Kearney's direction and writing, emphasizing the psychological depth of the narrative. The play's structure, focusing on a confined interaction between two characters, amplifies the suspense and forces the audience to engage deeply with the subtext of their conversation. The review advises potential audience members to experience the play without prior knowledge to fully appreciate its unfolding revelations.

"Good With Faces" is described as a "hugely assured psychological thriller" that leaves the audience sitting "uncomfortably" due to its intense portrayal of a power struggle. The performances by Patrick McBrearty as Hegarty and Clodagh Mooney Duggan as Garrick are noted for their precision and the necessary edge required to convey the characters' complex emotional states. The setting at Summerhall, Edinburgh, contributes to the intimate yet charged atmosphere of the play. The narrative hinges on the subtle nuances of dialogue and non-verbal communication, making each comment a potential trigger for suspicion and revealing the characters' vulnerabilities and hidden motives. The play's thematic focus on the scrutiny of a mother's circumstances by a social worker, framed within a procedural context, invites reflection on societal judgments and the anxieties associated with child welfare interventions.

The play's run at Summerhall in Edinburgh extends until August 31. The Guardian's review, published on August 15, 2026, positions "Good With Faces" as a significant theatrical event, drawing parallels to Kearney's past successful collaborations. The critical reception emphasizes the play's ability to generate suspense and provoke thought, making it a compelling piece of theatre that explores the complexities of human interaction under pressure. The deliberate pacing and the focus on the psychological interplay between the two protagonists are key elements contributing to its mesmerizing effect and its capacity to create an unsettling experience for the audience.