10 years on from winning their Olivier Award, the iconic improvised musical Showstopper! celebrated its 1500 show with a VIP Gala Event on 20th April 2026 at the Cambridge Theatre. This brilliant musical is made up on the spot on the night from audience suggestions, creating an entirely unique, never-before-seen show.
The show starts with a writer of musicals, who was played by Dylan Emery. He is on the phone with a producer, who is enquiring for further details. He needs some help so he addresses the audience, asking us for ideas on the setting, the potential musical influence, and then, the most important decision: the name of the show. Audience members can put their hands up and add suggestions, with a cheering vote conducted for final decisions.
Our show was titled: 'I'm still not sure they're mine' with the concept of a dysfunctional parents' evening. Just based on this creative prompt itself, I knew we were in for some fun. The musical writer 'called' back the producer, informed him of these details, and the 'show' fully kicked off into the first part.
Having never watched an improvised show before, I didn't have many expectations. What I wasn't expecting was the impressive performance the actors put on, with the talented band beside them. Every scene seemed to flow effortlessly, even when purposefully disjointed. There were also a few prompts added by the writer to move things in certain directions at times. The actors intersected and moved around without prior practice, thinking of the most hilarious and outrageous lines on the spot.
All the songs worked incredibly well, too. They used musical influences from Six, Guys & Dolls, Phantom of the Opera, and Cabaret, to name a few, suggested by the audience at the start of the evening. Using those influences with original lyrics relating to this improved show was done so cleverly. I'm still in shock at how this was all made up on the night! The interpreted dancing and use of props also added a layer to us imagining the setting, and also brought in more humour (as if there could be any more ways to make this show so entertaining!)
Before the interval, we were invited to add suggestions for the second part on the comments of their latest Instagram post. The 'writer' then read some out after the interval, did a few votes, and from here the second part to this chaotic, beautiful new musical was born. It brought a conclusion of near-death incidents, love declarations, and heart-warming dad-daughter moments.
Produced by Keith Strachan, Adam Meggido, and Dylan Emery, Showstopper was the first improv show to be nominated for an Olivier award and still to this day the only company to win and has had eleven sell-out years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two West End runs, and a BBC Radio 4 series.
It was clear to see why this show has been so popular. You have the honour of experiencing a premiere for any of their shows you attend, something no other musical can really offer. If you watch Showstopper, you are guaranteed a night of laughter, smiles, and fun entertainment. I cannot recommend this show enough and am already planning to go again!
‘Showstopper! The Improvised Musical’ is at London’s iconic Cambridge Theatre throughout the year, on selected Mondays. For more information, click here.
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish