Jonny and the Baptists: Bigger Than Judas

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Normally, one would expect a show called Bigger Than Judas might merit a warning for those who take their religion seriously. But in this case, disappointingly, there is little blasphemy worth the name in Jonny and the Baptists' latest dose of musical comedy; the worst they have to say (or sing) about God is to speculate that He might be a member of the UK Independence Party.

The fact that UKIP turns into the evening's most reliable comedic punchbag at least shows that the duo know their territory: as recent events have demonstrated, the people of Edinburgh are prone to find Nigel Farage far more laughable than most Fringe comedians. But up-tempo and unapologetic political satire is just part of the Baptists' repertoire, keeping the performance engagingly varied, if a little uneven.

The setlist ranges from unexpected parodies to surreal protest songs to ditties so short they are almost musical non-sequiturs (a rousing ballad strongly in favour of soup, for example, is one of their strongest numbers). None fall flat, but the band's strengths are also their weaknesses, since they demonstrate just how indebted they are to acts like Flight of the Conchords and Tenacious D, two painfully obvious influences. 

Lead singer Jonny Donahoe has a relentless enthusiasm which can be a little overwhelming, but thankfully couches his energetic interactions with a friendly, very English brand of quickfire banter. Unfortunately, such Tiggerish distractions only highlight how thin and undeveloped the show feels. Audiences may be left entertained, but also unsatisfied.