Happy Meal sits comfortably within this year’s selection of Fringe shows which celebrate queer joy. Briefly touching on the gap between online and real-life identity, the challenges of transition, and the emotional turbulence of young adulthood, it nevertheless smoothly follows a pattern of romantic comedy. And thanks to witty cultural references and two striking performances, the piece becomes a charming and warm comedy of identity and friendship.

Tabby Lamb’s script follows the duo through a variety of internet apps, from Club Penguin to Facebook, depicting their emotional growth with tenderness. Allie Daniel (Bette) offers an expressive performance, capturing the confidence of youth and its anxiety while Sam Crerar (Al) articulates the freedom and excitement of a person discovering their self. If the narrative veers towards sentimentality, it speaks of a generation learning to find community online and, eventually, allowing their connections to manifest in person. 

^{Pictures: Jamie Fletcher (above) and Lottie Amor}

By depicting a healthy and positive relationship, without ignoring the hidden pain beneath internet bravado, Happy Meal suggests a theatre that can be a place of community. The cast and script combine to imagine a comedy of kindness and, in the pair’s final meeting, creates a dramatic moment filled with love, acceptance and charm.

Traverse Theatre, until 28 August, times vary.