Umbrage Swain

The New Romantic Gentleman Thief (looking uncannily like Eddie Izzard dressed as Adam Ant), his Cure-loving sidekick and Tina Fray (an excellently faux innocent Millie Reeves) swash and buckle in battle with evil baddie The Darkness (no, not Justin Hawkins’ band) in this mock heroic romp. Set in the 1980s and with a cast who can probably remember it first time around, the landscape is pop references, day-glo outfits, and Bucks Fizz at Eurovision.

Yes, The Magical Diamond of Ramtutiti smacks of the Mighty Boosh’s Ruby of Kukundu – the company usually resides in the same London theatre where Barrett and Fielding honed their comedy capers – and yes, the humour borders on the moronic at times (fart gags, accusations of homosexuality) but the wit, warmth and vigour are evident in the fully committed performances. It’s not big, it is clever, and it’s what the Fringe was made for: romping around a dank cave inducing fits of laughter. As the wise one (Mr Ant) once said, ‘ridicule is nothing to be scared of’.

Underbelly, 0844 545 8252, until 24 Aug, 7.30pm, £9–£10.50 (£8–£9.50).