There’s been a slow but steady decline of comedy drama with a large ensemble cast over the years, which is a pity because when it’s good, it’s really good. I Kissed Batman is a comedy-drama about students who are also fond of cosplay. It’s also about young love, parties and figuring out exactly how to talk to your loved ones.

The central drama revolves around Damian and Tim, two young men who are currently dating. Damian hasn’t told his sister, Steph, that he’s dating Tim. Oh, and Steph considers Tim to be one of her best friends, to whom no secret shall be kept. A master at figuring stuff out, Steph hasn’t quite twigged that her brother is gay. ( Which, for so many people, will be a highly relatable experience.)

Added into the mix is Steph’s boyfriend Jason, who’s nice but dim, and Cass, who isn’t paying too much attention to everyone’s drama.

Everything comes to a head when they’re all off to a fancy dress party. Steph has insisted they all go as Star Wars characters.  Cass has arrived as Princess Diana, not realising that Princess Leia is fictional.  Damian and Tim have gone as Batman and Robin, and yes, they know that’s possibly inappropriate, but it’s fine.

Wackiness ensues, with plenty of comic timing, some wonderfully scripted zingers, some superb acting from the cast and some very fine use of Chekov’s gun. (Well, lockpicks, but still.)

It’s full of lovely touches; every character is named after one of Batman’s Robins, for example, and it gives you some hint as to their character; Damian is brash, Steph wants all the gossip now (so is big on Spoilers), Cass has actually useful skills, etc.

Brilliantly written, superbly performed, we’ll be following the production team, Sharkbait Theatre, with interest.

You can find out about future Sharkbait Theatre productions here.