one4review | On 07, Aug 2024

This is the 15th year of Showstoppers! at the Fringe. On previous years we have not seen this as my 12 year old reviewer is not keen on musicals. This year however we thought we’d give it a try and I wish we’d done it sooner. This is an improvised musical. Prior to the show the audience are asked to suggest a theme for the musical. Suggestions included ‘haunted theme park ‘and ‘castle with dragons’. On the day we attended the theme of ‘funeral with empty coffin’ was used. The audience were then asked for musical styles to shape the songs, such as ‘42nd Street’ and ‘phantom of the opera’. With the themes decided, the musicians and singers take to the stage and a new musical is born.

This show was excellent. Funny, clever and highly entertaining. The ability of the singers to improvise a musical, for an hour, was outstanding. The hour flew by and the audience clearly loved it. Because the musical is improvised every night is different and I was tempted to rebook as soon as I left. My daughter, the musical cynic, loved it.

The show is aimed at kids aged 12 and over which I think is appropriate. Highly recommended and not just for musical lovers.

*****
Reviewed by Claire and Nina
Pleasance Courtyard – Grand
17.30 (1hr 10)
Until 25th Aug (not 13)