Liv Satchell’s Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship) opens on a young child called Holly (performed by Michelle McCowage), implementing a protracted sunscreen application routine.

McCowage plays up the fastidious administration of sunscreen for laughs and Director Julian Dibley-Hall gives them the space to do so. We’re lulled into a false sense of security that Holly is doing this on purpose.

But when there’s no more skin left uncovered, Satchell delivers an emotional gut-punch; Holly’s been using the sunscreen as a shield to hide the fact they don’t know anyone at the bustling tennis court. Nor do they know how to shoulder in to the conversations happening around them.

Michelle McCowage in Ballkids. Photo © Darren Gill

It’s a deeply relatable feeling. Everyone’s had moments desperately trying to look busy so they don’t appear lonely or, worse, disliked.

And some of us (me included) have experienced that at a tennis camp as a kid. I wish my mum had packed sliced oranges to help me make friends like the other half of the bestie...