Theatre review: The Eighth Day, Venue 13, Edinburgh

With smartly clipped hair, a waistcoat and tie, Sam doesn’t look homeless – but then, as he points out, what does homeless look like anyway? ***

The Eighth Day

Venue 13 (Venue 13)

Star rating: * * *

Performed by Richard Lloyd, who co-wrote the script with Peter Read, this is an insightful one-man monologue about a former businessman’s descent from the golf course to the hostel after his wife throws him out. It’s Sam’s eighth day at the temporary residence and he has a choice to make; either he gets rid of the family’s pet dog (which he’s somehow ended up with) or they both leave.

It’s a strong dramatic idea, but one that isn’t pushed as much as it could be with our careworn everyman’s canine friend conveniently disappearing mid-way into the story. Sam’s awkward relationship with his teenage daughter is more satisfyingly explored, as she struggles to come to terms with his situation.

Lloyd gives an engaging performance that commands the stage throughout. Quite how his character lost all his money and wife is underexplained – something to do with banks and easy credit – but as a piece that explores a less familiar face of homelessness, it finds a quiet dignity in even the direst of circumstances and, in doing so, shatters preconceptions.

• Until 25 August. Today 4pm.