Douze Smock Alley Black Box 3 stars

Xnthony is a pop star. Except, he isn’t. Douze is a hustings for an impending campaign to represent Ireland in the Eurovision. Except, it isn’t. But if it was, I’d say we’d be in with a good chance with ‘Glitter’’, one of the original songs the audience can “vote” for.

This ramshackle, lo-fi production skips gayly through potential Euro-hits led by Xnthony and his backing female duo. Douze scores few points with its script, which should be a cheesy goldmine of gags, but instead feels like a repetitive afterthought. But it’s all about the music, right?

And there are some genuinely hilarious moments; ‘Numbers’, the utilisation of a stepladder as a dramatic prop for a ballad, and the sheer messy shoestring nature of it all.

Douze is throwaway and superficial, but also goofy and gas. Whatever Xnthony’s motivations are, you have to admire his conviction.

Runs until September 13th.