Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, Exeter Northcott, Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th February
By Jenna Richards
As the curtain rose on another production of Showstoppers I realised I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know how this musical would end – neither did the cast.
The company improvise the whole show, based on ideas thrown at them by the audience, with the skill and vigour of artists who have spent months in rehearsal.
This production is spellbinding. I spent the first half convinced it couldn’t possibly be made up on the spot and trying to figure out how they did it. But by the opening of act two I was gripped by the action and astounded by the skill of a cast who could throw it all together and come up with a gem.
Set in 1980s Egypt sisters Meg and Gloria Simpson were working on an archeologically dig accompanied Gloria’s fiancée Tony Nuff from the British Museum when the discovery of an ancient body in a tomb changes everything.
Entitled, for this show anyway, Pharoah Nuff, the setting, timeframe, musical styles and name were all suggested by the audience. Who were also invited to offer up a number of humorous actions to be incorporated into scenes – how else would you create a routine combining an ABBA theamed wedding, set in a tomb, with relevant references to basketball? And make it work!
I was astonished at the quick-wittedness of the multi-talented cast. This play was a joy to watch, full of laughs, action and some great catchy songs, even if they were made up there and then.
The success of the production relies on the ability of the cast to turn their hands, and voices to any number of scenarios and musical styles. These guys are the masters of improvisation and must be seen to be believed.
Showstopper is far more fun and engaging than your ‘normal’ stage musical. If you ever get the chance to witness the spectacle go see it, you won’t be disappointed.