Syncing at Lion and Unicorn Theatre, London Review
What happens when the biggest boyband of the early noughties loses its leading man? In SYNCING, Justin Timberlake’s departure from NSYNC leaves Lance, JC, Chris and Joey scrambling to work out what comes next.
SYNCING uses parody to poke fun at masculinity, male friendships and the absurd archetypes that come with them. The four characters are exaggerated to comic effect, with the dynamics between them providing plenty of opportunities for physical comedy and slapstick. These four are clearly a goldmine for comedic jabs without even trying; the show leans into this potential, from JC’s pretentious and ego-fuelled tirades, to Lance’s Southern good-boy charm and obsession with space. Completing the portrait of a boyband going astray, there is impulsive, slightly dense, hyper-energetic Chris; while, in the wake of “Timber-fake”’s departure, Joey’s still struggling to finally get a solo (or, at least, a bit of his bandmates’ attention).
Importantly, you don’t need to arrive as an NSYNC superfan to enjoy yourself. While those familiar with the band’s history and early-2000s pop culture will likely get some extra amusement from the references, the comedy is accessible enough to stand on its own.
The central idea is a fun one, and there is plenty of potential in using a beloved pop-culture phenomenon to examine the ridiculous expectations placed on men. However, the production currently feels like it is still searching for its shape. The writing and direction could benefit from greater focus, as the piece sometimes becomes dispersive rather than building towards a cohesive whole. Pacing and plot issues also contribute to the show’s struggles to sustain its momentum.
There is something genuinely enjoyable at the heart of SYNCING: it is playful, knowingly silly and has a promising comic premise; the costumes are pure ‘90s glitz, and add to the deliberately heightened world of the show. With some tightening of the writing, clearer dramaturgical direction and a stronger sense of tempo and stakes, this could develop into a much more assured piece of Fringe theatre.
Syncing played at the Lion and Unicorn Theatre as part of the 2026 Camden Fringe.
★ ★ . 5
Reviewed by Greta for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
