Marvel is without a doubt one of the biggest media brands in the world.
Iron Man came soaring onto our screens back in 2008. Since then, we’ve seen the Marvel Cinematic Universe expand at a rapid rate, introducing many much loved characters such as Thor, Captain America, Black Widow and of course, Spiderman, across many platforms and making them all household name.
Marvel Studios and Disney have absolutely no association with this show. Instead, this physical and visual love letter is passionately produced by Action Reaction Entertainment, MARVELous The Show is the wild creation of Samwise Holmes, who spent five years crafting this extravagant parody show for you to experience. Samwise has assembled his creative ‘Avengers’ with co-directors Sally Jackons and Daniel Tusia, choreographer Emma Wong, production designer Dan Potra and many more joining the team. With their powers combined, boredom will be defeated!
As you enter The Peacock, nestled at the top of the hill in Gluttony, a familiar voice welcomes the punters. A crass, sarcastic and hilarious voice, interacting with the crowd, asking if they’re on a date, what they’re drink, why they’re sitting so far away. I thought at first it was a voice over, but then I saw him! DEADPOOL, with his little usher coat, hat and witty remarks, he was there to get you in the mood and set the tone of the show, because there is nothing family friendly about this one!
The show kicks off with a blazing hot American patriotic number, starring Captain America and his beautiful showgirls. It’s quite a raunchy affair, as Cap’s clothing is removed bit by bit, whipping the crowd into a frenzy along the way, with the number ending with Captain America naked behind his trusty shield!
Every good parody has to have two things: one – non-stop pop culture references, and two – sweet, delicious puns! MARVELous The Show delivers on both fronts, with references coming at a rapid pace including a sexy Iron Man/Magic Mike crossover. Honestly, I could rave for hours about all the great references to theatre and film! Please know, if you go, you won’t be disappointed.
The energy and excitement from the crowd was at a fever pitch, with everyone screaming, hooting, hollering and laughing along to the show, which made it so much more entertaining. I love it when everyone gets into it and is having a blast.
The stage production was quite simple, with a scaffold at the rear of the stage to create several levels, providing a blank canvas that was brought alive with creative lighting (and lasers), props, costumes, and of course, the amazingly talented cast. It’s the perfect playground for these larger-than-life characters.
Emma Wong stars as Pony Tony, but she also choreographed the show! Wong does an amazing job at bringing alive these characters, with iconic stories and wicked dance moves, showing off a vast array of dance styles from hip-hop to acrobatics, contemporary dance to ballet, and a tiny sprinkle of tap. Emma clearly knows her stuff and is a big asset to the creative team.
MARVELous The Show is a show for all Marvel fans. The everyday fans will love it, with all the well-known heroes showing up. The die-hards will love it even more, likely picking up all the little easter eggs hidden throughout. It’s obvious that the creators are huge superhero fans themselves and have treated the source material with great respect, no doubt painstakingly going over every detail.
MARVELous The Show is without a doubt the best Marvel related content I’ve seen in years (Marvel Studios, take notes)! I just wish there was an end scene after the credits. Now, that would be cherry on top!