The title might be a little misleading. If you are reading this and you think: I’m taken, why would I need to learn how to flirt? Well, my friend, this show is for everyone in every status, of every gender, every age – everyone.

How to Flirt is a satirical seminar from the Drag King, Steve Porters. We are taken through a casual lecture, using the acrostic of “BIRDS” to deliver the best way to get your next partner. Full of dancing, puns, comedy, music and projection, this all rounder show is comical but full of importance.

Steve is what can be described, by today’s youth, as a wannabe “Roadman” or, from back in my day, a “Chav”. Featuring all the physical characteristics of Drag Kings, the make up is impeccable, giving the illusion of masculine features, a body suit to give the illusion of a male torso and general mannerisms and movement to suggest something stereotypical male. The funny thing is, Steve is meant to be a satirical copy of one of those men who think chat up lines work, but yet he still has charisma and a way of flirting with the ladies of the audience. I am only sad that he didn’t deem me attractive enough for a flirt – big thumbs down!

How to Flirt is full of audience participation, but a late night at Fringe is certainly not lacking in this. We are asked to engage, repeat chants, encouraged to talk to one another and it becomes riotous and raucous in just the right amount. We may not always feel the power of Steve’s flirt directly on us, but in a crowd of around 100, we all feel individual and like one of his mates.

The whole production is a painful belly laugh after belly laugh. It plays on the bad dates, on the stories told from dating apps and meeting strange people and plays on the awkwardness between Steve and the audience. Steve is full of confidence and is professional, slick and perfect in every single way.

The production is so well constructed, including any ad libs or improv that are so smooth that you barely notice them. It was a show that I never wanted to leave but sadly, all good things do.

And don’t think that this was just comedy – oh no. There were really important points touched upon. Steve takes these types of men and highlights situations that are creepy, insulting, issues of sexual assault and ensures that, through the laughter, this is clearly a political and feminist show touching on our societal issues. Steve highlights consent a lot, and this is important and meeting modern ideals. It makes it clear that this is non-negotiable in our world.

How to Flirt: The TED XXX Talk is comedy gold, but amongst this, Steve Porters has made strong, concrete feminist comments on today’s chauvinist societal issues.