The Colour Ham @ Just the Tonic at The Caves

There are few shows that start with something as infantile as the throwing of a stuffed pig that are this satisfying. The Colour Ham's charming, and thoroughly Scottish, blend of sketches and magic is a wonderful romp through comedy that is as absurd as it is clever.

Opening with a sequence that resembles a demented version of Deal or No Deal combined with Python-esque drag, the troupe deliver an hour of laugh out loud entertainment that passes far too quickly. The improvisational elements based on audience participation feel as smooth as the scripted moments and lack the contrived sense that can threaten shows that rely on the audience.

Additional credit is surely due for reintroducing the masses of the Fringe to the near forgotten unsung hero of Gaelic TV: Dottaman and the dark mystery of his disappearance. And for the best déjà vu joke you're likely to hear at the Fringe this year. Though the troupe are excellent at physical comedy, their parody of the classic film Ghost being the best example, the dialogue is also incredibly witty. The performance feels less like a show, despite the magic elements, and more like a group of friends hanging out exploring in-jokes and every idea that comes to mind to undermine each other. The Colour Ham are clearly acutely aware that the funniest moments often are our most self-aware moments.

If you're looking for something with a bit more flash, a lot more swearing and something that really gets to grips with how much you really should love humming then you should go and see The Colour Ham because they'll deliver all that. And the best déjà vu joke you'll hear at the Fringe this year.