MARVELous The Show is an irreverent, R-rated, musical parody of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has fans squealing with delight. It is risqué, comedic and delightfully silly and showcases familiar MARVEL costuming with a twist, rock and pop music, dance numbers, stunts, magic and aerial acts. It is a cross between cabaret and circus.
A dozen performers assume the roles of familiar MARVEL characters, or at least iterations thereof, in a series of colourful vignettes, straight and gay. Flesh flies and bottoms are bared. Swear words are used and beloved films such as Dirty Dancing, Magic Mike, Flashdance and The Greatest Showman are lampooned. Some would say a send up is the greatest form of flattery for a franchise, for it shows just how engrained in popular culture it is.
That is certainly the case for the likes of Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Deadpool and The Hulk. They are some of the myriad characters caricatured, alongside Doctor Strange, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, Hawkeye, Winter Soldier and Loki. Created, written, directed and co-produced by Samwise Holmes, he also assumes the pivotal role of Deadpool, who readily interacts with the enthusiastic crowd.
Accompanied by a live band, the entertainers are out to imprint their sense of the outrageous with the audience. That happens from the hilarious opening voiceover. It sets the tone for those assembled to lose their inhibitions (if they had any to start with) and shout out as the mood takes them, which the cast warms to. All is, of course, done in good fun, but it doesn’t take away from the skills involved in this flight of fancy.
Several of the cast are ripped and need no coaxing to let loose. The creative costuming is accompanied by eye-catching lighting and a big sound. MARVELous The Show will undoubtedly resonate most with those who are familiar with the MCU and are ready to take the mickey out of the costumed crusaders. But the energy and excitement in the room is not lost on those who may not be as passionate either.
On opening night, I saw a few patrons dressed as their superhero fancies. I dare say they and others knew they were in for more than the odd laugh. Some technical issues aside, they got what they asked for and judging by the smiles on people’s faces, a seemingly good time was had by all. Two hours plus interval, MARVELous The Show is on at The National Theatre until 10th November, 2024.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Shaun The Sheep’s Circus Show (Circa) – theatre review
- Statera (Gasworks) – circus review
- Cab Suave (Sparkle Society) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
