Shantify at Underbelly Boulevard Soho Review
Image: Danny With A Camera
Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Shantify is a show with a simple premise but a fantastically powerful execution. A group of West End performers take to the stage as “The Barnacle Buoys”, a plucky band who are preparing for the biggest gig of their lives at The Port Arms in Deal Kent. What unfurls is glorious harmonies, brilliant vocals and a slightly cheesy sea shantification of modern pop, rock classics and musical theatre into a rip roaring night out.
It is wonderful to see that each of the six cast members has a chance to shine in the spotlight and their brilliant friendship and camaraderie is beautifully profound to watch unfurl on stage. Although each solo is amazing, this show truly shines the most when all the cast together sing spellbinding harmonies which will leave you in goosebumps the entire running time. The six members of the Barnacle Buoys on the night I reviewed include Joe Bishop, Cal T King, Jack Whittle, Alfie French, Michael Riseley and Ollie Wray. Although they use their real names in the show, the lives they portray are lightly fictionalised, including dreaming of performing on Britains got Sea Shanty talent. It is an incredibly refreshing show to watch with its focus on creating phenomenal sea shanty versions of different musical theatre, pop and rock songs that’ll have your heart sing in joy whether you’re Gen X to Gen Z. If you enjoyed the social media craze of sea shanties in 2021 then this is the perfect show for you.
The show’s plot is loosely based upon writer Emily Wood’s childhood and evokes a more grounded and realistic depiction of community than similar shows including the beloved Choir of Man or the Curse of Benjamin Button. Jo Parson’s direction along with Harry Style’s and Ashley Jacobs’ musical direction has created an uplifting, sincere and truly wonderful show experience. Richard Williamson’s lighting design vividly depicts thunderstorms and along with Chris Hall’s stunning choreography they greatly add to the incredible atmosphere throughout.
After its previous sell out runs, this show has reworked its format into a 90 minute show with an interval an hour in. This allows the story to flourish more and beautifully builds the performance to a resounding crescendo which has the entire audience giving a standing ovation at the end.
Shantify is running for a short two weeks at Underbelly Boulevard Soho before returning for another season at Palais du Variete in Edinburgh Fringe this year. It is truly a fantastic feel good show which will leave you buzzing with salty sea dog joy all the way home until you can book the next time. If you’re searching for a captivating show filled with soulful ballads and phenomenal singers, hilarious sea shanty versions of your favourite songs and a unforgettable night out then this is the perfect show for you. Book tickets while you can.
Running until the 14th June at Underbelly Boulevard Soho
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
