As five top musical theatre improvisers walk onto the Pleasance dome stage, you know this Fringe staple means business. Selling out venues across the UK, including London’s West End with their impressive improvisational talents, this is a musical theatre experience like no other, where anything can and will happen.
Tonight’s show (and tonight is referenced as it’s a made-up show each evening) was entitled “The Walls are Alive with the Sound of Screaming”, a genius play on words when the themes of Roger’s and Hammerstein classic, The Sound of Music, are mixed with a haunted house setting. Other elements added to the mix include a Lion King-style ballad and a Gilbert and Sullivan-inspired comedic number.
The plot on this occasion focussed on a family visiting a castle on holiday where they encounter a host of characters, including a creepy caretaker whose signature catchup of “It doesn’t matter” leaves the audience in hysterics any time she steps off stage. There is always some theme or conflict explored, with this performance being a father trying to connect more with his children. The talented musical troupe can tackle any topic or anything put in front of them. Being so varied in the material makes the show a perfect return viewing, with tomorrow’s show completely original.
This show, like every other, finishes with a satisfying ending, with a huge musical number. The talented band on stage are also incredibly talented improvisers, having to adapt music and styles to the scenes and the dialogue the performers are creating on the spot. They cover multiple music styles and really elevate the piece.
If you are looking for a show where you can have a one-off experience with hilarious improvisation, and show-stopping numbers, then look no further than Showstopper!
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical runs at the Pleasance Courtyard until the 27th of August. Book tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/showstopper-the-improvised-musical
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