EDINBURGH 2026: Review: SUPPOSING, Traverse Theatre

Supposing is a new play written and directed by Zinnie Harris. Sally (Nicole Cooper) has been cursed. She was walking past a theatre and fell down a great big hole; now she hears a chorus. The chorus tells her things that will happen in the future, bad things, and Sally feels its her responsibility to prevent them.

Married for fifteen years, husband Richard (Richard Conlon) is less than supportive. Instead of believing his wife is cursed, he questions whether she maybe just needs some HRT. 

Underneath the predictions, there’s a politically charged message. Bad things are happening and good people are standing by and letting it. Richard was a man with integrity, at one point standing as a Labour candidate. But the far right are on the rise and he seems passive about what’s happening. 

Supposing is a slow burn made all the more powerful by Nicole Cooper’s captivating performance. She’s no stranger to a tragic play, and she shines in the drama of the Greek mythology but also excels with the comedic moments of this play. Richard Conlon is also wonderful as ‘nice guy’ Richard, who is baffled by the complexities of his wife. 

Sally’s visions include predicting cancer in a bigoted neighbour and an attack on a young girl seeking asylum. She wants to help because it’s the right thing to do, and whether Richard’s inaction is because he doesn’t believe her or because he’s not that interested is up for debate.

Supposing is a deceptively powerful play that wraps a very real and present threat up in a gripping and at times darkly comic new piece of theatre with fantastic performances.

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