Daniel Valentine is feeling cheery. Upbeat, even. He’s keen to share the stories of the weird and wonderful characters and events that have shaped his 18 years; a few vivid words conjure up the short hair and cagoules of the church ladies or book group’s Margaret (who smells aggressively of lamb). But all is not quite as it seems: Daniel’s relentlessly cheery delivery drip-feeds the details of a life filled with loneliness, neglect and desperately poor parenting. Help is at hand though, from the good people of his local church who sweep him into a glamorous whirl of youth-club discos, church trips and 99 cones, as well as from a slightly less conventional source. 

Philip Stokes’ tight script effectively balances light and darkness, secrets and lies (especially the lies we tell ourselves) in an engaging, thought-provoking and often very funny piece that never lets its audience off the hook. Craig Lomas’ cluttered set cages and contains the enormous energy emanating from Jack Stokes’ Daniel, in a fantastic performance from a young actor making both his professional and Fringe debut. Unlike poor Daniel, this young man is set to soar. 

Pleasance Dome, until 29 August, 1.10pm.