I Kissed Batman
★★★★☆ Comedy with heart
Just The Tonic at The Caves (Venue 88): Wed 31 July – Mon 11 Aug 2025
Review by Emily Geeson.
A kitchen-sink (or perhaps back bedroom) drama, I Kissed Batman in Just The Tonic at The Caves for the firs week of the Fringe is the latest offering from Lex Joyce in association with Shark Bait Theatre.
Back fresh from two successful runs last year with Take Me To Your Leader and Tartan Tat, his latest show is a queer, heartfelt comedy about young love, pop culture, and everything in between.
Alex Paton, Kit Laveri, Ross Mackenzi, Tom Showell and Michael Tominey in I Kissed Batman. Pic: Shark Bait Theatre.
Chock-full of film references that are quickly becoming a trademark for the writer, I Kissed Batman takes us right back to university days, where it’s Halloween night, the drinks are flowing, and the possibilities are endless. And it’s the best night of the year, as it’s costume contest time.
The set-up? A group of five friends are off to the rugby club’s Halloween party, and they’re all going as Star Wars characters – except someone missed the memo. Damian and Tim have gone as Batman and Robin, which is the perfect couples costume, but there’s only one teensy little problem. They haven’t told everyone they’re a couple yet, including Steph, Damian’s overly competitive sister, who might just take it a little personally.
instantly recognisable
A very specific scenario, but its specificity is its strength. The characters are well-rounded, funny, and instantly recognisable to anyone that’s ever had self-described nerdy friends.
With polished direction from Douglas Yannaghas, including a standout Dutch Girl Fantasy scene, the talented cast give strong performances filled with emotional beats, yet still high in energy.
Michael Tominey’s Damian plays the jock convincingly, desperate to fit in with the rest of his team. Tom Showell’s Tim successfully balances Damian’s bravado with necessary tenderness, as his other half.
Tom Showell, Michael Tominey, Ross Mackenzi, Kit Laveri and Alex Paton in I Kissed Batman. Pic: Shark Bait Theatre.
Kit Laveri sparkles as best friend Cass with some impressive comedic chops, and Alex Paton’s Steph gives a nuanced performance of an overachiever desperate to win at any cost – often at the expense of her personal relationships.
Last, but by no means least, Ross Mackenzie’s Jason, finds the balance between Han Solo-esque charisma and an inner vulnerability with apparent ease.
For an up-and-coming theatre company, Shark Bait already had an impressive repertoire. I Kissed Batman is no exception. As creators of an intimate, funny play about queer relationships in your early twenties, Lex Joyce and Douglas Yannaghas are certainly a duo to watch.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Just The Tonic at The Caves (Just The Fancy), Rowantree Bar, 253 Cowgate EH1 1LG (Venue 88).
Wed 31 July – Mon 11 August 2025.
Daily: 3.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on EdFest.com.*
*affiliate link.
Shark Bait links
Facebook: @sharkbaittheatre
Instagram: @sharkbaittheatre
TikTok: @sharkbaittheatre
Linktree: @sharkbai
ENDS
