An original, bold, occasionally darkly funny, drama, The Debate, makes its world premiere at The Holden Street Theatres this Fringe. Written by and starring Martha Lott, the performance also has the Adelaide Fringe debut of Martha’s daughter, Amelia Lott-Watson.

A mother and daughter sit anxiously awaiting the announcement of the new Debate Captain. Chloe is bright, articulate and a top debater, but her mother is even more invested in the outcome than she is. Light, amusing reminiscences of the 1970s and ’80s—when Chloe’s mother was at university, drinking, protesting and rallying against anything that required a cause—provide early humour and context.

However, when Chloe is called for an interview and leaves the stage, mother is left alone and we discover she is more invested in the outcome than her daughter. Darker undertones soon emerge as we learn just how far a determined mother might go to secure the role for her daughter. Her resolve becomes unsettlingly unwavering, extending to undermining Chloe’s rival through AI-generated social media posts, designed to damage the opposition’s credibility.

The final confrontation between mother and daughter is at times chilling as truths are finally exposed. Martha delivers another finely crafted drama and her daughter, Amelia, makes an assured debut performance. Go with friends and you will be debating this show all the way home.