Larry Owens @ Assembly Roxy

Best known for his appearances in US comedies Search Party and Abbott Elementary, alongside his award-winning turn as the main character in Broadway hit A Strange Loop (he originated the role), Larry Owens makes his grand entrance at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Loosely framed around emails between him and his agent, with the prospect of being cast in a famous three-letter-titled sketch show at stake, Larry Owens Live drapes itself in musical comedy joy. Owens’ vocals are immaculate, basking the room in its gloriously rich tone between each brilliant gag. His songs are well crafted, drawing inspiration from Billie Eilish, Lil Nas X and, of course, the almost inimitable Oprah Winfrey.

His warmth and humour enchant, whisking you away somewhere safe, even whilst singing about his mother’s homophobia or being maddeningly pigeonholed by false stereotypes. There’s even a hint of something more alternative peeking through with his repeated physical motif, even at the show’s climax.

Just as you feel swaddled and content in Owens’ company, he delivers an electrifying gut punch; first in spoken word, then in song. Owens’ 11 o’clock number is played entirely straight; bringing to light the underlying complexities of living as a Black, Queer man in the US, carefully planted in the hour until they boil to a head. Eyes widen, jaws gape, hairs stand on edge. Like Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, Owens manufactures tension with precision, lets it hang and swell, bursting only for a reprise of his opening number and a perfect encore of Being Alive from Sondheim’s Company.

There is such power to Owens’ debut, in both humour and message. It’s intricately structured like the musicals he refers to and in his accumulating rage. Most importantly, Larry Owens Live proves that he is not simply proof of concept, but a talent to be listened to, cherished and protected.

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Larry Owens Live, Assembly Roxy (Upstairs), until 27 Aug, 8.35pm, £12-£14