Another hit show from the musical improv troupe Baby Wants Candy, who are also behind Shamilton, the self-titled Baby Wants Candy sees the team take suggestions from the audience to create a hilarious and clever improvised musical. The show starts with a brief explanation of the concept, and then the audience are encouraged to shout out ideas. When I saw the show, these ranged from “Highlands Game of Thrones” to “Kill All the Boomers Except My Dad”, before “Five Billionaires, One Submarine” was eventually chosen, to a mixture of groans and cheers. I even heard someone behind me say ‘why would you suggest that?’.
Despite some reservations from the audience, the cast created a funny, engaging, and at times touching, show. It’s truly impressive to watch how they create and develop the characters, plot lines and songs with such speed. They are accompanied throughout by a four piece band, who create the music quickly and skillfully. The show offers a blend of skilled vocals, comedy and choreography to create what at times feels like an already created and rehearsed musical.
There are also times throughout where jokes or lines that are said in passing are taken up and made running jokes by the other cast members, or where one cast member makes a mistake that is then picked up on and carried through the show. This shows how well the cast work as an ensemble, and how easily they seem to bounce of one another.
The cast also manage to make references to other cultural icons – in this case Jack and Rose from the film Titanic and also, somewhat strangely, Jack and the Beanstalk. These references are kept up throughout the show, resulting in some confusion for two of the characters and a great laugh for us.
Baby Wants Candy is a show that will have you almost crying with laughter. The temptation to return is huge – as it is an improvised show based on audience suggestions each night. You could return every night of the Fringe for a new and exciting performance that is guaranteed to be side-splittingly hilarious.
Baby Wants Candy is on at Assembly George Square Studio One at 9.05pm every day until 27 August. Tickets are available here.
Image provided to The Student as press material by Assembly.