Mitch Jones, who plays Captain Ruin, isn’t your average stage performer. It could be said that he is a troubled lad – or maybe it’s just that trouble has a way of finding him. After being jailed numerous times, one being a not-so-pleasant bout in a Turkish prison, Mitch Jones is a novelist’s dream.

One Night Stand is an ode to his time in prison and instead of focusing on the confinement, Mitch has focused on that wonderful moment of freedom, and he does so through an enlightening and humorous monologue.

The show starts from the moment we’re ushered in, as an angry prison warden rudely flashes a torchlight in our eyes and sternly directs us to our seats. A pandemonium of music, talking and static echo through the small room and Captain Ruin is thrown aggressively onto the stage (or, unfortunately for him, his prison cell. His suitcase is soon to follow his path, and holds the contents of the night’s entertainment.

Circus tricks, dancing and comedy are weaved in seamlessly to the shows script and as a result the audience are constantly challenged for different reactions. At one moment the audience may be in a fit of laughter and the next will be appreciating the wise words of Captain Ruin. The show doesn’t only serve as entertainment and could even be said to be educational, if learning about anarchy and Smith & Wesson handcuffs is up your alley.

At times you begin to question Captain Ruin’s sanity, as he plays with fire and lets loose a manic (and worrying) laugh, but soon you become to realise that this is just the emotional process of being locked in a cell that only measures six by four metres.

Throughout the show Mitch Jones has the doors to his life not just open, but snapped off at the hinges and never to be seen again. In one skit Mitch tells the tale of his life via his assortment of tattoos; unsurprisingly, this skit soon turns into something reminiscent of a scene in The Full Monty.

Leaving the show you can’t help but have a grander appreciation for freedom and it’s almost as if your zest for life has been heightened, all thanks to Captain Ruin. In only 60 minutes One Night Stand manages to make you experience a handful of emotions, question what it means to be free – and know the importance of carrying a safety pin.

One Night Stand has finished its run at the Fringe Festival. For more information on Captain Ruin’s future projects, visit his website.