4.8 ★
Hadestown
Lyric Theatre
£25
About the show
You suggest it, they sing it! The Olivier Award-winning Showstoppers return to the West End at the Cambridge Theatre for a residency of one-night-only musical extravaganzas. Whether you fancy Sondheim in the Sahara or Hamilton in a hospital, this incredible company creates a brand new musical live before your eyes. 'So polished, it defies belief' (Daily Telegraph).
What is Showstopper! The Improvised Musical?
Showstopper! is exactly what it says – an entirely improvised musical created live on stage. A musical writer needs your help: he's been asked to produce a brand new show but he's fresh out of ideas. The audience provides suggestions for the setting, title, and musical styles, and the cast transforms them into a fully-realised musical complete with songs, dances, and compelling storylines. Every night is a premiere!
How does Showstopper! work?
At the start of the show, audience members shout out suggestions. These might include a location (a submarine! a bakery!), a time period (the 1920s! the future!), musical styles (Lloyd Webber! Sondheim! Hamilton!), and even a title. The performers then improvise an entire musical on the spot, with the band accompanying every spontaneous song. Nothing is planned – it's pure theatrical magic.
Is Showstopper! the same every night?
Absolutely not! That's the whole point. Every single performance is completely unique, never to be repeated. From 'Sex, Drugs and Sausage Roll' to 'Phantom of the Operating Table', audiences have witnessed thousands of one-off musicals over the show's 13-year history. If you see it twice, you'll see two completely different shows.
Do you need to know about musicals to enjoy Showstopper!?
While theatre fans will appreciate the clever parodies and genre-specific jokes, the show is hilarious and entertaining for everyone. The performers are incredibly skilled at creating accessible, funny, and surprisingly moving stories regardless of your musical theatre knowledge.
Cancellation policy: theatre tickets cannot be cancelled, exchanged, or refunded once purchased.
Performance schedule
Mondays 7.30pm
Cast & Creatives
Who performs in Showstopper!?
The Showstoppers company includes Jonathan Ainscough, Ruth Bratt, Justin Brett, Matt Cavendish, Dylan Emery, and Pippa Evans, among others. The live band features musicians including Pete Furniss, Nathan Gregory, Calie Hough, and Duncan Walsh Atkins. Cast varies by performance.
Who created Showstopper!?
Showstopper! was conceived by Adam Meggido and Dylan Emery, who met at an improv comedy workshop in London. The show premiered in 2008 and has grown from Edinburgh Fringe favourite to Olivier Award winner. It's produced by Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido, Keith Strachan, Suzanna Rosenthal, and Rhiannon Morris.
What awards has Showstopper! won?
Showstopper! won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show. With 13 years as an Edinburgh Festival must-see, a BBC Radio 4 series, and critically acclaimed West End runs, The Showstoppers have established themselves as masters of improvised musical theatre.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Showstopper! suitable for?
Showstopper! is recommended for ages 12 and above. Children under 4 (including babes in arms) will not be admitted to the Cambridge Theatre . Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Please note that as the show is improvised
there may occasionally be more adult content.
How long is Showstopper!?
The performance runs for approximately 2 hours
including one interval.
When does Showstopper! perform?
Showstopper! performs on selected Monday evenings at 7:30pm at the Cambridge Theatre. Check the booking calendar for specific dates.
Can I participate in Showstopper!?
Yes! Audience participation is essential to Showstopper! You'll be encouraged to shout out suggestions at the start of the show. Don't be shy – the more creative your ideas
the more fun the show becomes!
What happens if I arrive late?
Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break. However
the opening audience suggestions set up the entire show
so arriving on time is strongly recommended.
Can I take photos?
Photography and video recording are not permitted during the performance.
How long is Showstopper! including interval?
Showstopper! runs for approximately 2 hours
including one interval.
Is Showstopper! really improvised?
100% improvised
every single night. The performers have no idea what they'll be creating until the audience provides suggestions. It's genuinely remarkable to witness.
Where is Showstopper! playing?
Showstopper! plays at the Cambridge Theatre
Seven Dials
32-34 Earlham Street
London WC2H 9HU. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.
What days does Showstopper! perform?
Showstopper! performs on selected Monday evenings at 7:30pm. Check the booking calendar for specific dates as it's not every Monday.
Is Showstopper! suitable for families?
The show is suitable for a family audience aged 12+
but as it's improvised
content may occasionally be more adult. Parents should use their judgement.
Venue
Lyric Theatre
Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 7ES
Tube
Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square
Train
Charing Cross
Bus
14, 19, 22B, 38, 53, 88, 94, 159
Parking
Soho, Chinatown (Q Park scheme). NCP Wardour Street, Newport Place, Denman Street, Lexington Street. MasterPark Poland Street, Chinatown.
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Showstopper - The Improvised Musical