A whimsical voyage on the high seas of music.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival played host to some West End Leading men this month in the form of a sonorous sextet and their show Stantify!. The group, developed out of a lockdown passion project, has been dazzling audiences online and in-person with their witty and fun renditions of musical theatre, pop and rock songs. After several viral moments, Shantify! has taken residence in the Fringe delighting sold out audiences young and old.
This show is pure fun. With the added bonus of taking place in a circus tent, this hour-long set is full of theatrical hits—with particularly wonderful renditions of Sweeny Todd, Moulin Rouge! and 9 to 5—and a smattering of pop favorites, chief among them Beyonce. With a well-executed nautical theme and some truly tragic puns, it was a spectacular viewing experience. Despite stating early in the show that they “obviously do not take themselves seriously,” it is clearly far from the truth. It is apparent great care and consideration was taken in crafting the set, complex vocal arrangements and choreography.
Music has an uncanny ability to bring people together from any walk of life; the real triumph in this show lies in that truth. These men have taken a simple premise and their vocal prowess and created something fun, engaging and wholesome. There is a tangible sense of comradery among the group as they move from song to song, each taking turns showcasing their incredible vocal talents. It takes skill to sell out a circus tent performance at midday in the Fringe. If you are looking for a show that leaves you feeling a little lighter than when you walked in and with a newfound passion for nautical nonsense this is the show for you.