Review | Showstopper! The Improvised Musical | Edinburgh Fringe 2016

What would happen if Tim Minchin and Cole Porter had teamed up to create a Sound of Music meets Miss Saigon musical?

At Showstopper! we were set to find out.

On entering the auditorium of the impressive Pleasance Grand, you can tell this is no stripped-back Fringe affair. The dazzling lights await you, the live music soundtrack is already underway and the anticipation is buzzing as those clutching their programmes take to their seats – but this is a musical unlike any other as the crowd has no idea what will happen over the next hour.

If you’re not aware of the Showstoppers interactive concept, the audience provide various suggestions (composers, musicals and a setting) as the cast build a musical in front of your eyes, stopping throughout the show to add a few new concepts into the mix.

On this night, we were transported to post-apocalyptic London for a musical like no other, titled ‘Boris Blows His Top’.

The extremely talented cast could turn their voices to any style showcasing strong vocals fit for the West End stage. Combining comedy, song and dance, witty tracks were written on the spot creating songs based upon the structure of musicals we all know and love.

The skilled live band form an integral part of the show working with the cast to seamlessly blend from passionate Miss Saigon inspired numbers to the darker depths of Sweeney Todd.

By the end of the newly formed musical, you’ll find yourself fully immersed in the fictional story, with some audience members even attempting to sing along to a song that was written less than an hour ago.

It’s hard not to feel happy after an hour with the improv bunch and it’s no surprise they’ve won over Fringe audiences across the past nine years.

★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard
Time: 6pm – 7.10pm
Tickets: £15/16.50




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