Sitting in a well-lit theatre, chatting away to an old chum, the promise “I think you’ll really enjoy this” sets a nerve-rackingly high bar for a new comedy play. 

Interrupting an animated conversation was an unconventional opener to a show but nothing about Spymonkey’s approach to comedy can be described as conventional. 

The title, Moby Dick, implies a comedic interpretation of an old classic is on the horizon but this is blown out of the water within seconds. 

Using a combination of physical comedy, adult humour, music and utter confusion, the small ensemble weave through the narrative with the panache of The Mighty Boosh and Monty Python. 

While some of the wit is in the plays on words, the physical skills of Stephan Kreiss and Aitor Basauri dissolve the entire audience into cries of laughter for long episodes akin to John Cleese’s masterpieces.

Ignore the dread that swells as the realisation dawns that it is yet another book ignored as a youngster and go to see this with an open mind. 

After all that dissertation stress this is the perfect remedy.

Moby Dick runs at the Lyric, Hammersmith until May 1.  Tickets can be bought for as little as £10 here.