Lucky Tonight! @ Traverse Theatre

Classic Britpop plays as I make my way in; the stage is sparsely set with Asian and British familiarities, all hinting at the story of identity we are about to hear. I form a team with the couple beside me and hope we’re a good match. Lucky Tonight! is an interactive pub quiz-cum-theatre show by British Bangladeshi Afreena Islam-Wright. The piece explores themes of belonging and acceptance while asking the audience how much we truly know about the lives of others.

It takes some time to get going, but once we do the performance flows smoothly. Between rounds, Islam-Wright steps out from behind the hosting desk as the quiz answers provide prompts into her life. We move skilfully between trivia and storytelling, with Islam-Wright’s presence easy and truthful. It feels as though she is chatting to us by the bar.

Without giving much away, Islam-Wright’s life has been tumultuous, offering moments that feel relatable to me as a Scottish woman, as well as others I could never imagine. What strikes me most in this performance is Islam-Wright’s unwavering compassion. She speaks of many times in her life when those around her could be criticised for being unsupportive or unloving, yet she never demonises or blames. Instead, she offers insight into their upbringings and ability to change.

The pub quiz, interwoven with storytelling, is a masterful and engaging form. The camaraderie between audience members allows us to rely on each other’s knowledge, something so essential in a quiz team it almost goes unnoticed. We accept each other’s failings and differing opinions, something we rarely do in everyday life. I leave reflecting on how we all move through life taking chances, making choices we believe are right, without ever knowing what the outcome will be.

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Lucky Tonight!, Traverse Theatre (Traverse Two), until 24 Aug, 9pm, £17.50-25 (further concessions available)