Showstopper! The Improvised Musical is a long-standing favourite at the Fringe, and it’s clear why they continue to see success year after year. Each day, they create “the hottest new musical in town” based on audience suggestions, and a full house eagerly witnesses the magic of a brand-new musical created right before their eyes.
The show kicks off with a frantic producer in need of our help to create a musical masterpiece before his looming deadline. The audience’s creativity is quickly put to the test, and the suggestions fly fast and furious; from “Zombie Olympics,” “an aquarium,” and “a deserted island,” the producer assures us that these are genuine, spontaneous ideas from the crowd (no audience plants here!).
We shortlist the ideas before taking a final vote between Angela’s hen do (a suggestion from said hens party) and a “down-on-its-luck vineyard.” Unfortunately for the hens party among us, the audience cheers indicate that we’re settling on the latter and heading to Provence.
And so begins The Grape Depression—a clever title suggested by a witty audience member. For the next 60 minutes, we are treated to song and dance numbers inspired by Wicked, Chicago, and Into the Woods as a brother-sister duo fight to save their vineyard and step out of their parents’ shadow.
Along the way, they embark on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery, realise growing poppies is not the answer, and are almost thwarted by a comedic trio of workers who redeem themselves in the final act. In the end, it’s the goats that save the day!
The performance is so seamless that it’s hard to believe it’s all improvised. The talent and skill of the performers, the on-stage producer, and the live band are truly remarkable as they effortlessly pick up on each other’s cues and transition into the next act without missing a beat, all with minimal props and set.
Given the very nature of the show, there will be some nights that are undoubtedly better than others, but ultimately, if you love musical theatre or can simply sit back and appreciate the skill of the performers who are able to think and literally act on their feet day after day, then this one’s for you.
Runs until August 5-12, 14-25 2024 | Image: Contributed
