Wasteman fits easily into the tradition of Fringe solo shows which follow a character towards self-realisation. The formula is given a twist by adding a touch of drag (the songs that start and finish the show are more than just functional and have a cabaret energy that lifts the mood) and exploring the life of a bin person in their quest to become Miss Stoke.

Based in writer Joe Leather’s own experiences, it has predictable tragic moments and an uplifting finale, using flashbacks to flesh out the protagonist’s complex relationship with drag. The drag itself rescues this production from its formulaic structure and while the peripheral characters are only sketched out as caricatures, the happy ending is a mixture of deus ex machina and earned success. Memories of a homophobic assault are balanced by a largely accepting, if sometimes ignorant community and the jeopardy (winning a drag competition) is freighted by the protagonist’s need to embrace their personal truth.

An assured central performance and a script that hits all the right points at a good pace ensure that the feelgood finale has enough energy. This wasteman finds a moral to their tribulations, and a meaning that is magical but not unrealistic.

Wasteman, Assembly George Square Studios, until 28 August, 6pm.