This is a show that defies you to be sad. Six performers make up a musical based on the audience’s suggestions, and the entire experience is contagiously delightful. An international dentistry convention might not sound like the ideal plot basis for a musical, but given ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘The Lego Movie’ as styles to work with, The Showstoppers somehow manage to create an intelligent and hilarious narrative. The cast work together as an irresistible whirlwind of energy, and the only slight problem with the production is that it is baffling! Improvisation is being taken to new heights by performers whose lungs, frankly, should not be able to work like that.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Vicki Baron]