The beauty of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is that anything can happen. This night, the audience’s suggestion led the talented cast into the wild west of musical theatre, as they spun together an entirely original musical about a train robbery, which they called “Singing on the Train”. The plot was concocted on the spot, in this instance including a daring train heist, gold bullion, four sisters turned bandits, one of whom had a sultry past with the law-orientated sheriff, and a couple of raccoons. The spontaneous nature of the show means that each performance is a unique experience, never to be repeated – I was lucky enough to be in the crowd of last year’s masterpiece musical about Big Tesco. While that one, I’d venture, is almost impossible to top, ‘Singing on the Train’ certainly came close.
While the entire company are outstanding, a standout is the ever-brilliant Pippa Evans. Her ability to lead the rest of the cast in off-the-cuff numbers is always stunning to watch, and her solo numbers are simply captivating.
The cast pulls off everything from raucous, toe-tapping anthems to impressive ballads, in the style of already existing musicals suggested by the audience. This can include quite a variety, from Jesus Christ Superstar to High School Musical. The music, too, is entirely improvised, with the live band providing a dynamic backdrop that responded perfectly to the actors’ cues.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is an absolute must-see for any theatre lover. It’s a show that celebrates the very best of live performance: spontaneity, creativity, and the sheer joy of watching talented performers invent an entire world right before your eyes. The train robbery theme was a delightfully entertaining choice, showcasing the cast’s knack for turning even the most chaotic scenarios into a polished, unforgettable experience.
Showstopper never fails to live up to its name – every time I go, I am itching to return. I have every intention to be back this Fringe.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is on at 17:30 in Pleasance Grand from 8-25 August.
Tickets available here.
Press image by Ray Burmiston via Pleasance Press Office.
