Fringe Review: SHANTIFY, Palais du Variété at Assembly George Square Gardens
Photo credit: Alex Brenner
Back by popular demand, Shantify takes to the stage at the Palais du Variété, the iconic spiegeltent in the middle of Assembly George Square Gardens. In this show, a selection of hit songs - pop, rock and musical theatre - are given a sea shanty makeover and performed by a group of talented men.
There is a loose story that makes the show more than just a concert, but it’s not a plot with much weight or depth. But after all, no one is there for the plot. We’re there for the music and boy, does it sound good. Harry Style and Ashley Jacobs, musical directors and arrangers, have done a remarkable job at taking this collection of popular songs and turning them into sea shanties, whilst still making sure they’re (on the whole) instantly recognisable.
Director Jo Parsons has done an impressive job staging the show in the unconventional (but beautiful) venue, ensuring that the show is performed to the whole audience and never feels cramped on the narrow catwalk style stage. Christopher Hall’s choreography fits the sea shanty style perfectly.
The cast of six - Michael Riseley, Jack Whittle, Alfie French, Cal T. King, Ollie Wray and Joe Bishop - work together brilliantly as a unit. They have a great rapport with one another and their voices blend perfectly to deliver stunning harmonies. Whittle has great stage presence as the closest thing the show has to a leading man, and Riseley and Bishop deliver some particularly phenomenal vocals.
Shantify is sure to put a smile on your face and get you tapping your feet along to a whole host of absolute bangers!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush