Pop Off, Michelangelo! at Underbelly Boulevard Soho Review
Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
The runaway fringe hit Pop Off, Michelangelo! has stormed into Underbelly Boulevard SoHo with more pizazz and style than the Sistine Chapel. We meet two of the most famous artists of all time, who are exploring the Renaissance and life, one flamboyant artistic party at a time. Based on the book and lyrics of Dylan MarcAurele and directed with fierce wit by Joe McNeice, this journey through the Italian Renaissance is not to be missed.
The plot is loosely based on the real experiences of Leonardo Di Vinci and Michelangelo from their childhood bonds, their intense rivalry and eventual death. It is a celebratory queer production which is full of zest, vitality and riddled with fun pop culture references. It’s a production that will leave you doubled over in laughter or cringing in sympathy for the characters’ plights at a networking event. It shows the dichotomy of the two protagonists approach to queer love that is true to history, yet in a gleeful style that is similar to Six and The Book of Mormon that shifts the perspective to our modern culture. The theme of staying true to your identity despite fear and peer pressure is powerful. Its radical self-love and acceptance concept is beautiful to watch and is conveyed well to the audience. The songs are fun and engaging, but not particularly memorable in their lyrics.
READ: Interview with Dylan MarcAurele, Pop Off Michelangelo!
The set is simple but elegant, with four chess pieces holding all the props and surprises throughout the show. It evokes well the evasive manoeuvres that the characters take, as well as adding whimsy and fun to the staging. The cast (Max Eade, Aidan MacColl, Kurran Dhand, Aoife Haakenson, Sev Keoshgerian, Michael Marouli and Laura Sillett) were fantastic and magnetic to watch as they’re clearly enjoying the show as much as the audience. Michael Marouli ‘s arrogant pope is a particular standout, and Laura Sillett as the literal egg-throwing antagonist is utterly captivating. Max Eade and Aidan MacColl were brilliantly sincere as the lead roles and evoked nuance and joy in their portrayals. Kurran Dhand, Aoife Haakenson, Sev Keoshgerian were fantastic in playing multiple roles and keeping the comedy rolling at every possible moment
It is truly a fantastically beautiful parody musical which will paint away your stress with absurd comedy and hilariously heartfelt power ballads. It has a shorter running time of 90 minutes with no interval, which mostly keeps the plot tautly paced and the audience helpless in pools of laughter. Wonderfully silly throughout, you will leave grinning ear to ear and with a renewed appreciation for all things Renaissance. If you enjoy cheeky musicals stuffed full with innuendo, cheeky pop culture references and fantastic cast chemistry, then this is the show for you.
Pop Off, Michelangelo! plays at the Underbelly Boulevard Soho until 13 July 2025.
★★★★
