Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Review by Sam
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Olivier Award winning improvisers are back in London, taking over the Cambridge Theatre for a monthly Monday night residency.
The concept of Showstoppers! follows a musical theatre writer who has been given just two hours to create their next musical for their big Broadway producer. Using audience suggestions for locations, musical styles and a show title, the entire cast and creative team then work harder than any troupe to create an entirely original new musical before your very eyes. I’ve written this as if it was a magic trick… because that’s precisely what these incredible performers create, utter musical magic!
November’s musical was titled “Love Bites” and took place on the set of a vampire dating show. It featured musical styles ranging from High School Musical to Hamilton, and showcased precisely why this team are true masters of their craft. As with all improv theatre, the success of a show lies with performers abilities to create genius and funny material from thin air, whilst also working collaboratively in such a way that makes audiences question if the show is in fact scripted. This takes expert skill and makes this type of theatre one of the hardest art forms to master (not least when also throwing songs in the mix), but rest assured the entire Showstoppers! Team are truly that skilful.
The entire ensemble make every proposal worthwhile, as they sing, dance and act out a hilariously triumphant show night after night. Alongside these world-class comical performers are a band who work incredibly hard to provide improvised musical backing for every moment of the show, emulating musical styles that fans will both know and love. Additionally the lighting team help to bring the improv fun to life, leaning in to any given cues or plot points to adjust lighting with the goal of enhancing the comedy.
Showstoppers! masterfully blends comedy, narrative and music with immensely talented performers. The end result is a joyous one-of-a-kind night out for the whole family that will have you howling with laughter and humming catchy made-up songs for many days to come!