It is always refreshing when the title of a show sets you up somewhat for what may be in store, and Hot Gay Time Machine was never going to be a quiet evening of polite politically correct reflections on life. This glittering gem of a show bursts onto the stage with way more energy and excitement than anyone could hope for. If the aim is to grab the attention of the audience from the opening moments and reduce them to tears of laughter for an hour, then Toby Marlow and Zak Ghazi-Torbati have most definitely succeeded.

It is rather impossible to define what these two actually do. On the face of it they dance around, camp it up, make relentless puns on the word ‘gay’ and sing their hearts out. This high-octane, fast-paced hour zooms by and takes no prisoners – if you missed the line that had the girl beside you screaming in laughter, you needn’t worry – there will be an even bigger laugh again within a few seconds. If you didn’t quite catch that outrageous throw-away innuendo, again, don’t worry – they come thick and fast. There isn’t time to stop and think during this show. It just carries you along on a sea of ridiculousness and flamboyance.

“If you missed the line that had the girl beside you screaming in laughter, you needn’t worry – there will be an even bigger laugh again within a few seconds”

But in parallel with all the glitter, the high heels and the extravagance, the real achievement of this pair is to present a very honest exploration of their own identity. Subtly woven into the sledge-hammer of giggles is the time machine of reflection on their lives and their gayness. They avoid any clumsiness in this navel-gazing by their sheer confidence and pace. They can work the crowd and deliver a killer line, even when there is no line to be delivered. Marlow can floor the audience with just the flick of a (well-plucked) eyebrow and they have the timing and magnetism of a seasoned double-act.

Review: Doppelgängers

The audience are very much part of the evening and particular mention this evening goes to Jane, for reasons which I won’t reveal. Let this be a warning to you. If you’re not the interactive type, then you might want to sit a little further back. But even then, you won’t be safe from the infectious invasion of Beyoncé and Lady Gaga – musically, metaphorically and physically. The set, lighting and sound have a very definite disco feel, and the atmosphere is of a slightly out of control party.

“This is a show which appears to be ripening towards an inevitable triumph in Edinburgh. Move over, Frisky and Mannish, Marlow and Ghazi-Torbati have arrived”

The content of the show is a curious mix of gags, genitals, naughty words, smutty songs, impossible costume changes, satire, human rights, coming of age and general defiance. They dare the audience to be offended, but we are always in on the joke. In the long tradition of drag acts and queer comedians, the idea of being offended is subverted and used to challenge us as much as make us laugh. Their approach is underground and edgy, and the speed of their improvised interactions is riveting. This is a show which appears to be ripening towards an inevitable triumph in Edinburgh. Move over, Frisky and Mannish, Marlow and Ghazi-Torbati have arrived.

Hot Gay Time Machine may not be a politically sensitive work of theatrical protest, but this rough diamond has a huge heart, and an even bigger sense of craziness and enjoyment. It’s main flaw is in its title, though. They need to add one word: fabulous