Shantify, Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens Review
Written by Penny for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
A crew of “West End wonderboys” take show tunes, rock classics and pop bangers and turn them into sea shanties. The show promises glorious harmonies and a joyous story. A sell out hit in 2024, it’s back again to offer some more original interpretations of favourite tunes.
Its premise is simple, its story perhaps a little cheesy. The lads all live in Deal on the Kent Coast and alongside their day jobs, they are all in a band together, singing in their local pub. Younger brother Alfie has returned from his high flying career up in London to help out for a couple of weeks after the death of his Dad. As the show progresses, we learn a little of the boy’s backstories – childhood crushes and seemingly impossible ambitions – but this is really just a device to set up what we’ve really come for – clever arrangements of classic songs, delivered with fantastic harmonies, stunning solos and foot-stomping choreography.
Some of the songs are instantly recognisable, with others it isn’t until the chorus kicks in that you realise that the folksy sea shanty you’re listening to is a massive floor-filling pop classic. You’ll get no spoilers here but no King of Rock or Pop Queen is safe from the Shantify treatment.
There isn’t a weak link in the cast – and everyone gets a moment in the spotlight to shine with a powerful solo. But it’s when the lads sing together that the magic happens – their voices blend perfectly and the harmonies are a joy to listen to.
Shantify is an uplifting show about camaraderie and community, underscored by some of the best vocals you’ll hear at the Fringe. It’s an hour of top quality entertainment that is guaranteed to have you leaving the venue with a spring in your step and a big grin on your face.
Shantify starts at 1635 and runs for 60 minutes at the Palais du Variété (venue 3) until Sunday 24th August. Find out more and book here.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
