Dead People Laughing, Gilded Balloon II ­ Teviot

As a few weeks at the fringe shows, older people are better than young people at many things, including cynicism, eating and genuine displays of erudition.

As a few weeks at the fringe shows, older people are better than young people at many things, including cynicism, eating and genuine displays of erudition. But when it comes to physical activity more strenuous than lifting a fork or book, youth has the advantage, and this refreshingly juvenile show from four pals young enough to make a convincing boy band proves the point.

Rather than showing off a few half-digested cultural references, the four members of DPL beat each other up, play some frankly shambolic songs (in the guise of hopeless Aussie rock band Generation Y) and conclude with a touching, if incompetent musical tribute to Andy Kaufman, which doesn't exactly hit the heights of REM's classic "Man On The Moon". Thrill as Jasper (the drummer, inevitably) introduces us to the extreme sport of locker surfing, in the character of Hazardous Harry, somewhat like Steve "Crocodile Hunter" Irwin in a hard hat. Cringe as the roguish Dave clouts Jasper with a guitar. Groan as Jasper (again) gets passionate with a ventriloquist's dummy. The geekish Oscar and bossy Angus are just as funny. It's a mess, for sure, but it moves so quickly that you hardly have time to catch your breath, let alone get bored.

Venue 14 (0131-650 4403) to 27 Aug 21.00 (22.00)