Randy Thatcher is a bedroom bound songwriter who thinks he just penned the greatest musical the world has ever seen. Playing to his invisible audience (not an impossibility at this time of year), 21-year-old Randy wears his heart on his sleeve in his science fiction-based showtunes, in which our alien hero, the tellingly named Gazandy, finds true love in a way Randy can only yearn for. Like a musical theatre Daniel Johnston with a penchant for sock puppets, Randy is every showbiz wannabe who eventually has to face the music.

Real life New York songwriter Matt Haughey’s solo show shines an incisive spotlight on the perils of trying to get a foot in the door of an industry where everything is a talent contest these days. Accompanying himself on piano in Travis Greisler’s production, Haughey ramps up Randy’s high anxiety in what might well be regarded as a 21st century take on a backstage musical, with the talent hawking their wares online rather than at the doors of big time producers. As an accidental metaphor for the free market of the Edinburgh Fringe, Haughey’s show says much about how sometimes it’s the quiet ones you have to watch.  

The Greatest Musical The World Has Ever Seen, Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 August, 4.40pm; main picture: Pamela Raith.