In a black-box theatre, three chairs and four music-stands are arranged on a stage. The actors enter in casual dress, introduced by a playwright who’s shamelessly milking our applause. We’re here for a rehearsed reading. It’s definitely a rehearsed reading. Just a rehearsed reading. Most certainly nothing more.

If you’ve spent as much time in Fringe shows as I have, it’s pretty obvious that something is going to happen – but I’m pledged to secrecy about what that thing actually is. To give you a flavour, though, one of the people on the stage isn’t as well-prepared as the others, and they find themselves constantly surprised by the directions the script leads them in. The expression on their face as they’re launched into unexpected scenes and characters is a continual delight, and we in the audience at times find ourselves on an equally surreal journey.

Among other highlights, we meet some stereotypically salty sea-dogs; enjoy a comedy of awkwardness on a kinky first date; and listen in on some oddly upbeat performance evaluations from an overwrought entrepreneur. Two characters share contrasting perspectives on their relationship through an unusual but comically-inspired medium, and there’s a surprising amount of clownishness, too – beginning with the artily exaggerated actions and synchronised page-turns as the reading gets underway.

With each actor reading multiple roles, the separate narratives do mesh in a way, and the links between segments are navigated well. The writing adds humour with subtly ridiculous language, and the scenarios often tread the cusp of cringe with confidence and finesse. While each of the cast has their moment of glory, Wilson Murphy stands out particularly for his interpretation of the awkward date, with a character who’s anxious to please yet unsure and painfully gawky.

And there, I think, I must draw the veil, for this is a show that deserves to be encountered unspoiled. Expect to be wrong-footed more than once before you settle into the rhythm, and prepare yourself for a couple of dark turns. But there’s something quite tender at the heart of the script – and, despite the threat of rainy mornings, the feeling you’re left with is a warm one.