Marvelous The Show: A Superhero-Strength Dose of Naughtiness & Fun

Marvelous The Show is an adults-only musical parody of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which brings Deadpool, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-man and Thor, amongst other superheroes to the stage.

It’s difficult to classify this spectacular in any particular genre as it includes many areas in the world of entertainment including acrobatics, song, dance and  high-flying aerialists, with nudity and silliness aplenty.

Deadpool narrates what he calls the R-Rated bedtime story, a silly story which doesn’t affect the level of enjoyment if audiences’ fail to follow the narrative.

The high level of entertainment is derived from the ultra-naughty comedic sequences, the brilliant vocalists and dancers, and the references to many well-known movies including Bridget Jones, Dirty Dancing, The Greatest Showman and Magic Mike.

Some original songs are written for the show with popular chart hits by original artists also included, such as Time Of My Life, Hungry Eyes, It’s Raining Men and popular tunes from The Backstreet Boys and N*SYNC.

Nothing is left unscathed in this hilarious spoof – even Hugh Jackman and Chris Hemsworth receive a serving – as the loud pumping music motivates the crowd into frenzied audience participation.

Audience participation is not only encouraged but expected, with many immersive sequences including the Wheel Of Deadpool (a game show reminiscent of Concentration) which provides much laughter.

Some of the questions which Marvelous audiences need answered are worth the admission price alone: Is Spiderman well-endowed? Will Deadpool tell Spider-man to fuck off? Is Deadpool being bullied by The Avengers? Also, why is he wearing lingerie?

The sendup of the dance finale from the hit 80s flick Flashdance, performed by one of the superheroes, is far more memorable than the original performance delivered by Jennifer Beals (for all the wrong reasons naturally!). This sequence alone should ensure the wildly enjoyable nature of audiences remains at high levels.

This is a fast-paced show with many totally bat-shit crazy scenes, including ballet dancers having a murderous fight sequence, then performing a sensual strip tease for the audience.

Boredom doesn’t have a chance of settling in — even for audiences who have never seen a superhero flick. This show is standalone entertainment, and with so much craziness on stage, laughter is guaranteed right until the closing scene.

This is not conservative theatre; however the sets are surprisingly ambitious, and the lighting adds a final touch which gives the show that ‘wow factor’ entrancing audiences. The authentic costumes give the show a true Marvel feel and the performers shine on stage. Many of the sequences are risqué with tasteful (–ish?) sexual connotations.

Sheer naughtiness gallops in this show at a hundred miles an hour, and that’s what audiences who attend Marvelous The Show would expect. There’s no doubt there’ll be audience members leaving the theatre who are likely to ultimately ask, ‘What the hell did I just watch?!”

But judging from the radiant smiles on their faces, enjoyment was 100% fulfilled!

Marvelous the Show is on at Riverside Theatre until Mar 22.