Garry Starr is going to act out every Penguin Classics novel ever published, in order to save literature. So he tells us, smoking a pipe, balls-naked except for a top hat, tailcoat and a pair of red flippers. Clearly, he’s dressed as a penguin. It’s a strong opening image, but unfortunately the fact that he’s starkers serves as roughly 50% of the show's humour. 

One at a time, Starr draws out a classic novel from his bookshelf, with the books' titles becoming the punchlines for his mini skits. The strongest parts of the show are when he links multiple titles together in surprising ways. Like moving from drinking a huge bottle of blood (Dracula), to being massively bloated and transforming into a pregnant woman with a bonnet (The Handmaid’s Tale). It’s less interesting when Starr's lack of clothing does a lot of the heavy lifting (Moby Dick). 

Audience participation helps to enliven the show and it was especially satisfying to watch an audience member ferociously pelt fruit at Starr’s bare backside (Grapes Of Wrath). If the sight of a naked man on stage makes you cry with laughter, this is the show for you. If not, maybe pick up a book instead. 

Garry Starr: Classic Penguins, Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 August, 8.30pm.