Written and performed by Eva O’Connor, Mustard is a high-standard solo performance piece. Originally from Ogonnelloe in County Clare, Ireland, Eva studied at Edinburgh University and soon after started winning awards at the Edinburgh Fringe for her performances. Many awards and plays later she partnered with fellow Irish talent director Hildegard Ryan to bring us this interesting look at the aftermath of an affair. Hildegard has credits in directing films and drama from previous festivals and British TV. The character (referred to as E) meets and falls in love with the man of her dreams. It is a passionate and all-encompassing affair, but when the romance fails she deals with the heartbreak in a strange way. Deep in the depression that follows such excess, E turns to condiments to physically represent the pain she is feeling. Mustard is the way she inflicts self-harm, beyond her mother's understanding. Initially, it may seem that this is a strange form of abuse but Eva tells a convincing story with a well-written, thoughtful script. I never felt my attention dragging as we were swept along on her journey. She describes her feelings and the settings adeptly leading to a satisfying ending. Eva O’Connor is a talented storyteller and this is another of Holden Street’s successful imports. Another to add to your must-see list.