Coming direct from the West End, Showstopper! The Improvised Musical returned to the York Theatre Royal at the end of May, promising “spontaneous musical comedy at its absolute finest”... and it didn’t disappoint.
With fourteen years at the Edinburgh Fringe, an Olivier award and a West End run to its name, The Showstoppers have been wowing crowds with their improvised shows across the UK. The show opens with Sean McCann, our compere for the night, receiving a telephone request for a brand-new musical by the end of the evening. With the theatre lights still up, McCan calls to the audience for suggestions on the musical’s theme, composers, and show titles – prompting suggestions including “Godzilla versus Hercules” and an audience member’s 11th birthday.
On 29 May, the show was “I’ve Only Got 10 Candles”, drawing inspiration from composers Stephen Sondheim and Jason R Brown, as well as the West End hits Shrek The Musical and Carousel. Set in 1964 in the BBC’s writers' room, the show focused on a troubled scout (played by Adam Meggido) seeking a breakout comedian to star in a new sketch show in light of the BBC’s success with The Two Ronnies. Wonderful musical chaos ensued as the improvisers (Matt Cavendish, Ali James, Justin Brett, Pippa Evans and Adam Meggido) explored a sordid love affair, a Mary Poppins-themed 75th birthday party and more!
Throughout the show, the audience’s suggestions were weaved into the plot, becoming increasingly outlandish as the hours passed. Whilst all the cast did an exceptional job adapting to each new plot line with ease and perfect comedic timing, Evans was a highlight of the night - particularly in her interactions with Brett and Cavendish playing her 75 and 11 year-old sons. The onstage two-piece band (Nathan Gregory and Jordan Clarks) also did an exceptional job at seamlessly blending the musical genres suggested by the audience to bring the show together.
Showstopper! The Musical was a joy to behold, and with the cast also offering Showstopper! The Kids Show for a more family-friendly night, this performance would make a great evening for all audiences.
Editor’s note: This performance was seen on 29 May at York Theatre Royal.
