one4review | On 14, Aug 2026

A show featuring 6 West End performers, Shantify has become a Fringe regular in recent years regularly selling out performances.

The venue was ideal and the feature of a catwalk stage meant that you had an almost prefect view no matter where you were seated, the bonus of booth seating with tables was perfect for a reviewer.

The story was of 6 lifelong friends in a small fishing town, one of which was the brother of the fishing boats captain who had returned from his high-flying job in London to reconnect with his friends and family. The 5 remaining friends have recently started performing in the local pub turning pop bangers in to Sea Shanties under the guise of the Barnacle Bhoys.

From the opening number, a sea shanty version of Dolly Parton’s classic 9 to 5, the audience were hooked.

The story was heartwarming with lots of witty one liners whilst along the way turning hits from Eminem to Aerosmith into a perfectly crafted shanty.

The charismatic cast all have amazing powerful vocals but we were blown away at times with the vocal performances from Michael Riseley who had the audience on their feet.

Heading towards the finale, we were treated to a Beyonce mash up, a Fleetwood Mac Medley ending with an unlikely adaptation of the Spice Girls wannabe.

A remarkably enjoyable show which has the audience delighted from start to finish and left everyone leaving with a big smile on their face.

****1/2

Reviewed by Louise Heathcote

Palais Du Variete Assembly George Square Gardens

15.05 (1 hour)

Until 30th August (not 17th)