Matilda The Musical
Cambridge Theatre
from £25
Available nowfrom£28.75
Official tickets · Secure checkout · Mobile e-tickets · 24/7 support
British Theatre has covered Showstopper - The Improvised Musical in 9 articles since 2015.
You suggest it, they sing it! The Olivier Award-winning Showstoppers return to the West End at the Cambridge Theatre for a residency of one-night-only musical extravaganzas. Whether you fancy Sondheim in the Sahara or Hamilton in a hospital, this incredible company creates a brand new musical live before your eyes. 'So polished, it defies belief' (Daily Telegraph).
Showstopper! is exactly what it says, an entirely improvised musical created live on stage. A musical writer needs your help: he's been asked to produce a brand new show but he's fresh out of ideas. The audience provides suggestions for the setting, title, and musical styles, and the cast transforms them into a fully-realised musical complete with songs, dances, and compelling storylines. Every night is a premiere!
At the start of the show, audience members shout out suggestions. These might include a location (a submarine! a bakery!), a time period (the 1920s! the future!), musical styles (Lloyd Webber! Sondheim! Hamilton!), and even a title. The performers then improvise an entire musical on the spot, with the band accompanying every spontaneous song. Nothing is planned, it's pure theatrical magic.
Absolutely not! That's the whole point. Every single performance is completely unique, never to be repeated. From 'Sex, Drugs and Sausage Roll' to 'Phantom of the Operating Table', audiences have witnessed thousands of one-off musicals over the show's 13-year history. If you see it twice, you'll see two completely different shows.
While theatre fans will appreciate the clever parodies and genre-specific jokes, the show is hilarious and entertaining for everyone. The performers are incredibly skilled at creating accessible, funny, and surprisingly moving stories regardless of your musical theatre knowledge.
The Showstoppers company includes Jonathan Ainscough, Ruth Bratt, Justin Brett, Matt Cavendish, Dylan Emery, and Pippa Evans, among others. The live band features musicians including Pete Furniss, Nathan Gregory, Calie Hough, and Duncan Walsh Atkins. Cast varies by performance.
Showstopper! was conceived by Adam Meggido and Dylan Emery, who met at an improv comedy workshop in London. The show premiered in 2008 and has grown from Edinburgh Fringe favourite to Olivier Award winner. It's produced by Dylan Emery, Adam Meggido, Keith Strachan, Suzanna Rosenthal, and Rhiannon Morris.
Showstopper! won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment and Family Show. With 13 years as an Edinburgh Festival must-see, a BBC Radio 4 series, and critically acclaimed West End runs, The Showstoppers have established themselves as masters of improvised musical theatre.
Showstopper! is recommended for ages 12 and above. Children under 4 (including babes in arms) will not be admitted to the Cambridge Theatre . Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Please note that as the show is improvised, there may occasionally be more adult content.
The performance runs for approximately 2 hours, including one interval.
Showstopper! performs on selected Monday evenings at 7:30pm at the Cambridge Theatre. Check the booking calendar for specific dates.
Yes! Audience participation is essential to Showstopper! You'll be encouraged to shout out suggestions at the start of the show. Don't be shy – the more creative your ideas, the more fun the show becomes!
Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break. However, the opening audience suggestions set up the entire show, so arriving on time is strongly recommended.
Photography and video recording are not permitted during the performance.
Showstopper! runs for approximately 2 hours, including one interval.
100% improvised, every single night. The performers have no idea what they'll be creating until the audience provides suggestions. It's genuinely remarkable to witness.
Showstopper! plays at the Cambridge Theatre , Seven Dials, 32-34 Earlham Street, London WC2H 9HU. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.
Showstopper! performs on selected Monday evenings at 7:30pm. Check the booking calendar for specific dates as it's not every Monday.
The show is suitable for a family audience aged 12+, but as it's improvised, content may occasionally be more adult. Parents should use their judgement.
Cancellation policy. Cannot be canceled or rescheduled
32 Earlham Street, WC2H 9HU
Covent Garden, Leicester Square
Charing Cross
1, 14, 19, 22, 29, 34, 55, 176
NCP Shelton Street, Chinatown, Trafalgar (Q Park Scheme)

Cambridge Theatre
from £25
Gillian Lynne Theatre
from £30
Lyceum Theatre
from £43.75
from £48
Lyric Theatre
from £31.25

News
A guide to theatre in Oxford and Cambridge: the key venues in each city, what to see, and how university theatre sits alongside professional productions.
Tom Ashworth
News & Reviews

News
Matilda the Musical at the Cambridge Theatre London: running time, age guidance, the story, seating advice and everything you need to know before booking.
Daniel Osei
News & Reviews

News
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical has announced that it is moving to the Cambridge Theatre from 22nd May 2023. Book tickets now!

Douglas Mayo
News & Reviews

News
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre has now extended bookings through to 26 May 2024.

Douglas Mayo
News & Reviews

News
Take a look at these great new production images from the RSC's Matilda The Musical which has just extended its booking period at London's Cambridge Theatre.

Douglas Mayo
News & Reviews

News
Casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda the musical in its 10th year at the Cambridge Theatre.
Editorial Staff
News & Reviews
from £28.75
Showstopper - The Improvised Musical