Festival review: Angels in Heels; Laughing Horse @ Edinburgh City FC (venue 164)

“Manchester is a city that thinks tables are for dancing on,” Mark Watson once said, and talented young Arts Ed graduate Hayley Cusick – a writer to watch – captures exactly what he meant in her astute, funny and warm coming-of-age drama about four schoolgirls whose friendship isn’t hampered by their different social backgrounds.

One of the best shows I’ve have ever seen at the Free Festival, it is written and performed with such unassuming northern charm that it will have you leaping on the bus to visit the home of The Happy Mondays.

Laura is a straight-A student from a strict Catholic family, Tanya looks after the young sister her mother can’t cope with, Zoe thinks tuition fees are a good idea but can afford to pay them, and Maria is the tell-it-like-it-is sassy one holding them all together.

When awkwardly inappropriate yet good-looking teacher Mr Cooper starts flirting with Laura, a subtle commentary on a society that wants to educate young people but not pay the price emerges. It’s a set-up familiar from soaps (albeit with a twist), but as a political play with rare heart, the show captures the voice of a generation.

Rating: * * * *

Until 26 August. Today 2:15pm.