From that startling opening, Second Best School Shooting – penned by former teacher Alice Stanley Jr. – explores the distorted realities beyond the ever-recurring headlines. Following two best friends processing the aftermath: Ava, a pink-haired, iconoclastic rebel-punk, and Parker, who is determined to graft her way through school. In a world of viral tributes, conflicting political stances and social media posturing, the show offers a wry critique of the NRA, TikTok and so much more. The line “we’ve been training for this our whole lives”, a nod either to social media or the school shooting practice drills, proves particularly chilling. Fringe plays focussing on female friendship are always welcome, and this black comedy offers plenty of sharp, thought-provoking ideas.