It was only yesterday that these pages carried a review of a double-bill of Bristol Ferment shows, developing and work-in-progress productions being performed for the first time. Last year, Discombobulated was one of those shows. This year, it is fully-formed work and proof if any were needed of the success of the Bristol Old Vic scheme.

From Publick Transport, who earlier this year performed the startlingly original and utterly preposterous Very Hard Times at the Brewery Theatre, Discombobulated once again presents what at first looks to be a rather dry affair but one that soon takes you by the lapels into the most unexpected areas.

Malcolm McClosky (Angus Barr) and Esperanza Vallejo (Merce Ribot) are security staff manning the X-ray machine at an unnamed airport. The two engage in roleplays to examine their role and explain their jobs, but the uptight McClosky is soon despairing at the antics of Vallejo, who uses her moment in the limelight to show off to the best of her ability.

It is a very funny show, with moments of pure slapstick that will have you in hysterics. Barr is once again on fine form, Tommy Cooper expressions this time in the mix, bathos aplenty and a diving entry into the X-ray scanner that will live long in the memory.

Directed by Aitor Basauri, Discombobulated features non-stop action. I’m not sure what mad mind came up with some of the scenes on show here, but some of them are pure genius. Particularly memorable moments included a chase sequence straight out of a silent movie and a surprising musical ending.

The star of the show was Ribot, a Spanish actress whose one CV entry on the flyer told us that she made the quarter-finals of a talent contest in Palafolls near Girona in 1992. Occasionally breaking into a Shakespeare soliloquy, Ribot’s cheekiness and non-stop energy was a delight.

Discombobulated is a brilliant title and a brilliantly bonkers show.

Discombobulated is at the Brewery Theatre until August 13. Click here for more information.