Arguably the apex of Luke McQueen’s mischievous, contrarian and often seemingly self-destructive Fringe career, this hilarious show nevertheless has plenty of underlying heart and vulnerability for something so overflowing with bullshit, beginning with him impersonating another comic and effectively misrepresenting him for the better part of an hour. Piqued at not being invited to be a guest on Stuart Goldsmith’s The Comedian’s Comedian podcast (an important signifier of having made it for any UK act, as well as the chance for some extended navel-gazing and self-aggrandisement), McQueen is typically, naughtily provocative as he rides roughshod over conventions of mutual respect between performers, fluffing his own ego with undeniable inventiveness and brio.

Intricately plotted and superbly executed, the show’s denouement may not be entirely surprising. But it’s done so well, with so much daring and with several more twists, that although the first three-quarters of the show satisfy on their own, more limited terms, you can only applaud the ambition and panache with which he pushes things further. One of those comics for whom conventional success might threaten to extinguish the spark of devilry that sets him apart, television nevertheless needs to look again at finding a niche for Luke McQueen.

Luke McQueen: Comedian’s Comedian, Pleasance Dome, until 24 August, 9.40pm; main picture: Rachel Sherlock.