As the audience enters the theatre, a scrolling screen flashes up post-Brexit headlines from the likes of The Daily Mail and The Sun. Then, the mood changes as five performers in shiny leotards launch into a song about the premise of this musical: four immigrants to the UK are given the chance via a Miss World-style competition to be crowned Miss Brexit and become ‘one of us’, while the other three will be deported.

To prove their worthiness to stay, the contestants must give their ‘sob stories’ before jumping through a series of increasingly ridiculous hoops. Sound familiar? And with each elimination round, the contestants’ fates are decided by the audience. It's an absurd premise that leans into the silliness, with the serious headlines never revisited, save for one segment that veers into lecture mode.

Some songs are strong while others meander, and although none advance the plot in any meaningful way, they do help to humanise the immigrant contestants, which is really the whole point. It’s uneven in parts, but Miss Brexit has a strong cast and plenty of heart. With a little tightening, its message could land far more powerfully.

Miss Brexit, Underbelly Bristo Square, until 24 August, 1.25pm; main picture: Jake Bush.