A Stroke of Genius

The words "eccentric female librarian" in any show description should sound a warning bell.

However, when the show in question also takes inspiration from as fascinating a true story as that of the so-called Nobel Prize Sperm Bank, it has to be worth a look.

Unfortunately, this cleverly-staged and darkly comic mystery from award-winning company PIT gives over a lot more time to Leah Milner's tiresomely batty Dora than to exploring the biological bonds and eugenic ambitions with which the creative team claim to be fascinated.

"A baby - that would give me a new purpose," announces the sociopathic spinster after learning that her beloved library is to close.

With the help of the sinister Mr Product, she sets about tricking a young scientist into helping her obtain the sperm of a distinguished giant among men (the really very tall Simon Perkins). Illegal probes into the library's archives lead the duo into increasingly desperate measures, cleverly hinted at via a surreal storytelling style.

The scientist in question is not Robert Graham, who created the infamous Repository for Germinal Choice in 1980, but the notorious eugenicist does make an appearance in puppet form, accompanied by jaunty accordion music.

Those seeking no more than a daft diversion will find one here, but anyone expecting commentary on the increasingly ethically dubious world of fertility assistance will be left disappointed.

A version of this review first appeared in The Herald.