There’s no shortage of shows about struggling performers, and plenty of comedies pairing a hapless neurotic with an overreaching diva. ‘Book of Blakewell’ is both of these, sort of – the undeniably talented musical duo responsible joke up front that any semblance of plot is only a shaky frame for their existing setlist. Alice Keedwell has a strong voice and an operatic range, while Harry Blake is an accomplished pianist, with compositions knowingly riffing on modern styles, music hall and cabaret. Too often, though, they descend into plodding recitative. It’s unsophisticated satire taking aim at middle class attitudes, made leaden with predictable rhymes and little discernible wit, and ultimately sounding hollow. For most, this will be a book worth keeping closed.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 25 Aug (not 7, 14), 3.30pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]