Strawberries in January

Ever since Bridget Jones began logging her daily alcohol intake, fictional lovelorn females have straddled the endearing/infuriating divide.

But even if the term 'romantic comedy' usually translate as 'no thanks, what else is on?', don't be too quick to write off Strawberries in January. Hopeless romantics populate the tale by Montreal-based playwright Evelyne de la Cheneliere, a new Scottish version of which is being staged here.

Thanks to a cracking script by Rona Munro and some delicious comic performances, even the most hard-hearted cynic is bound to leave the theatre grinning.

While it might seem reductive to put films, books or anything else into a gender-based category (unless you've read chick lit, that is - trust me guys, you're not missing out), there's no getting away from the fact that this is a 'chick play'. That said, anyone who appreciates a great performance should experience the force of nature that is Gabriel Quigley's Sophie.

From her very first appearance, she is utterly charming as the girl who pushes doors instead of pulling them. Sophie has her flaws - we're provided with a list at one point - but she's a wonderful heroine and Quigley's comic timing is absolutely spot-on.

Not that the other characters are over-shadowed - there's Francoise, a screenwriter who wants life to play like a movie, and the even more idealistic Lea, who has her head in the clouds but longs to breathe in the pollution of the city.

As for Robert, he keeps his cards close to his chest for most of the play, but when he finally shows them it's more than worth the wait.

The finale, too, more than satisfies - a woman behind me was unable to stop herself from whooping with delight. Perhaps these particular romantics aren't so hopeless after all.