With talent as sparkling as the lights framing the stage, Showstopper! were back at York Theatre Royal this week with another dose of innovative improvisation.
You mean nothing was prepared? Surely there must be a plant? They can’t really be making it all up? Queries that could be heard as theatregoers entered the auditorium ready for the show to begin and their expectations to be exceeded.
As the beauty of this group is, you never know what you’re going to get, but one thing’s for certain, you will never be disappointed.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical was at York Theatre Royal this week from Wednesday 30 to Thursday 31 May.
From the brilliant company we were privileged to witness the talents of Justin Brett, Matt Cavendish, Pippa Evans, Ali James and Adam Meggido who formed as our cast for the evening, with Sean McCann as our eccentric leader ready to pluck ideas from the audience of ‘writers’. And that he did, as we were soon transported to a 1920’s Murder Mystery, aptly named ‘Only Flappers in the Building’, full of shocking surprises and dramatic deaths, never to be recreated again – which makes it all the more special.
But what makes this concept a true success is the musicality behind it, the ability to hone in perfectly on a musical genre or production and do so offering us the juxtaposition of perfectly timed spontaneity.
Behind our power ballads and toe tapping numbers were Jordan Clarke and Nathan Gregory who came together as a two man band of musical genius, bringing the audience’s diverse suggestions to life. Whether putting together a Frozen-inspired ballad with an undertone of Charleston or a dramatic Phantom of the Opera second act opener, there was truly something for everyone.
Despite seeing this group previously and some familiar faces gracing the stage, it surprises me how easily they can transform into each new personality with such ease.
Whether it was James’ flustered innocence, Cavendish’s perfect pivots or Evans’ melodramatic mother, they all worked together to bring a magical mayhem. Transformations so impactful and success so deserved that audiences continue to return – and they will be celebrating their 15th year at their home of Edinburgh Fringe this summer, an impressive but well deserved feat.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is a cocktail containing remarkable talent, quick-wit, spontaneity and perfect partnerships.
If you would like a night of first-class unpredictable fun, grab a ticket for one of their shows – and if you’ve already been, grab another as you’re always going to be presented with a new masterpiece in which to marvel.
To find out more and to find tickets for their upcoming shows, head over to their website.