Rayguns Look Real Enough: Balls Deep

Confusing moniker aside, Balls Deep is a fairly straightforward comedy musical romp which is virtually impossible to dislike.

Ray Gunn and Luke Reel (performers Ryan Beange and Paul Flannery) are down on their luck rock band Rayguns Look Real Enough (an obscure reference to Die Hard I’m reliably informed) who have lost their recording contract, concert rider, rhythm section and self-respect. Firebrand Ray has an obsession with cats which has spiralled out of control, resulting in him wearing a lycra tiger outfit that even Justin Hawkins might reject, while mild-mannered Luke is just trying to keep the band together.

The twosome play out their insecurities on stage in-between a series of mashed-up musical medleys. You know the sort – a number of well-known songs played overlapping or on top of one another. For instance, The Cure’s classic 'The Love Cats' melds with The Coral’s 'Dreaming of You', Alesha Dixon’s 'The Boy Does Nothing' and Stevie Wonder’s 'Part-Time Lover'.

Both rockers are accomplished musicians and just about keep the momentum going in what is a fairly one-dimensional performance – once you’ve heard one impressive meshing of hits it’s inevitably going to be a case of diminishing returns for the rest of the gig. A rap battle segment adds some variety to proceedings, while a plot involving squirty cream provides the best of the gags.

Rayguns Look Real Enough provide a fun night out, but they’re more Journey than Led Zeppelin.