If you search online for ‘narcissistic personality disorder’, you’ll encounter articles which assume that you (the searcher) are not a narcissist, as you’re introspective and daring enough to conduct such an enquiry in the first place. You’ll read advice to avoid such people, if you can spot them: it contradicts empathetic instincts. For those who have never had to confront this disturbing phenomenon, Colossal might seem surreal, yet it is no less entertaining and immersive because of that. 

A relationship with a narcissist can be an extremely disorientating experience; Colossal reflects this through the remarkable performance of a lone actor. Patrick McPherson, playing Dan, is utterly seductive as he leads his audience through a narrative labyrinth, enchanting them with his personality, plain speaking, joking, singing, acting and spoken word. We all tell ourselves stories, few more obsessively than those about love. Dan, we discover, is haunted by a past relationship with a girl called Sam, while fixated on moving forward.

The show resonates with a generation familiar with modern dating, the invasiveness of digital media and the manifold uses of the term ‘gaslighting’. Crucially, the humour here hits the right spot. An intimate nightclub space sustains the magic of Colossal, where inventive lighting and a wonderfully varied soundtrack form essential elements of storytelling and character portrayal; the comedic reverberations of well-timed sound effects are sensational too. Compelling acting and bewitching rhythms string you along in a story at once gratifying and toxic.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 28 August, 12.45pm.