Some theatre productions are clever; others are musically impressive. The truly special ones manage to be both, while embracing an utterly absurd premise with complete confidence. ‘Shantify’ [jazz hands essential] is one of those rare productions. It is utterly joyous, inventive and irresistibly entertaining, and will leave you grinning long after the curtain falls, with its brilliantly reimagined sea shanties still playing on repeat in your head for days afterwards!
The premise alone sounds improbable: take chart-topping pop hits, musical theatre favourites and traditional sea shanties, throw them together aboard a nautical adventure, and somehow make it all work. Yet against all odds, it works brilliantly, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, from the Spice Girls to Hamilton and Six, familiar songs are transformed into rollicking maritime anthems with remarkable creativity and infectious energy. The result is a celebration of music, created by Jo Parsons (Director) Harry Style and Ashley Jacobs (Musical Director and Arranger), that never takes itself too seriously while showcasing the exceptional talent of six well-known West End performers.
The production values are outstanding, every element feels polished and purposeful, creating a show that is far more sophisticated than its delightfully silly concept might suggest. The storytelling can occasionally veer into the cheesy, but it does so with such confidence, charm and self-awareness that it becomes part of the appeal. This is a production that knows exactly what it is and embraces it wholeheartedly.
Vocally, the show is sensational, the six-part harmonies are rich, powerful and beautifully executed throughout, with the strong cast delivering performance after performance of astonishing quality. Standout praise must go to Michael Riseley, Cal T King and Joe Bishop, all of whom bring tremendous charisma, stage presence and vocal excellence. That said, singling out individuals almost feels unfair because every member of the ensemble contributes something special to the experience.
What ultimately makes ‘Shantify’ so successful is its sheer sense of fun. It is impossible not to be swept along by its enthusiasm, humour and musical brilliance. Leaving the theatre, the audience is buoyant, smiling and thoroughly entertained.
This is a show with huge heart and enormous commercial potential. Creative, inventive and crowd-pleasing, ‘Shantify’ deserves a long future ahead on the open seas. It is one of the most enjoyable nights out currently sailing through London’s theatre scene.
‘Shantify’ runs at Underbelly Boulevard, Soho until 14th June 2026 and tickets are available here: https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/shantify. The show then heads up to Edinburgh Fringe in August.
Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin
Reviewed: 4th June 2026
North West End UK Rating:
Produced by Dave Holden and Kimberly Holden, directed by Dave Holden, and with musical direction…
In a small Midwest American town there is a strange phenomenon happening. Researchers have arrived…
There is something wonderfully Fringe-like about Moving On. An Edinburgh company writes an entirely original musical,…
Having already seen Peter Marchant take on Freddie Mercury in Night Owl’s The Legend of Queen,…
There is something deliciously appropriate about entering Edinburgh’s newly refurbished King’s Theatre, one of the…
New Zealand collective Binge Culture's Werewolf arrives at Summerhall with considerable word-of-mouth behind it, and sizeable audiences…