The Showstoppers’ Show That Must Go On… And Keeps On Giving

There’s something tantalisingly terrifying about improvised theatre. The potential for it all to go horribly wrong dangles provocatively in the air. And yet, somehow, this never seems to concern The Showstoppers!

Day after day, night after night, with a creative energy to defy most of us ‘normal’ folk, The Showstoppers’ team have dreamt up polished musical performances on the spot.

It is little surprise that they have now delighted audiences from across the globe, developed an enviable reputation for exceptional-quality performances and picked up an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family along the way.

Straight from the West End, they’re back at Scarborough’s Stephen Joseph Theatre for two sure-to-be astonishing performances on Saturday 8 June. Yes, the country’s leading creators of improvised musical comedy will present The Showstoppers’ Kids Show in the afternoon, and the Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical in the evening.

As if making up a musical comedy on the spot, from scratch, based on audience ideas alone, wasn’t challenge enough, during the afternoon performance it will only be the children in the audience that set the tone. That’s right: only the kids will be allowed to contribute ideas!

As someone who has spent a career working with young audiences, I can only applaud the cast who will skilfully weave together a host of conflicting thoughts and proposals in a way that somehow both defies sense and makes sense.

Made up entirely of suggestions from youngsters in the audience, The Showstoppers’ Kids Show will see characters, plots and settings emerge and develop. The show could take place in a magical kingdom, futuristic other world, exotic wilderness… or on Scarborough beach.

Wherever Showstoppers ends up taking audiences this weekend, based on their impressive track record, the performance will certainly delight, divert and dazzle, with impressive dance routines and evocative melodies, all created in an instant.

After a sell-out performance at the SJT last summer, I would encourage families to book their tickets quickly. For any budding young actor or writer in the family, this is a wonderful opportunity to see professional theatre with a difference. Truly inspiring, The Showstoppers are the epitome of all that is possible when a multi-talented creative cast get together on stage.

The Showstoppers’ Kids Show can be seen in the Round at the SJT at 2.30pm on Saturday 8 June, with Showstopper! The Improvised Musical at 7.30pm on the same date. Tickets are priced from £10, and can be booked at the box office on 01723 370541 or via the website: www.sjt.uk.com
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Rosie Goodwin runs MakeMore ARTS, a Yorkshire-based arts engagement company, working with schools and community groups, museums and heritage organisations. You can find out more at www.makemorearts.com