Fringe review: POP OFF, MICHELANGELO!, Gilded Balloon Patter House

Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne

Wow Besties, what a show! You may think you know all about the Renaissance, well think again because the cast of Pop Off, Michelangelo! are here to rewrite the story.

Written by Dylan MarcAurele and directed by Joe McNeice, Pop Off, Michelangelo! is making its world premiere at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. The show is pure fun from start to finish with the opening number ‘Renaissance Men’ setting us up wonderfully for what is to come. We follow the story of besties turned rivals Michelangelo and Leonardo di Vinci. In this musical alternate reality, these historical figures are both gay and decide to use their artistic talents to earn divine forgiveness from God. They enrol at the Platonic Academy of Art with the aim of winning a commission from The Vatican, but soon ambition takes over for Michelangelo and their friendship is put to the test.

Pop Off, Michelangelo! brings the Renaissance into the 21st Century but leaves historical accuracy at the door. Fact-checking is non-existent but who cares when it is replaced with a series of heartfelt ballads and electro-pop bangers. The music is incredibly catchy, and we’ll certainly have some of the songs such in our heads for the next few days! The lyrics and script are wonderfully comedic and fabulously filthy. They are filled with hundreds of cultural references ranging from Legally Blonde and Wicked to a strange obsession with the Italian American actress Marisa Tomei. It is easy to see where they have taken their inspiration from; the likes of Six The Musical, which also premiered at the Fringe, is at the forefront of our mind but the material also feels fantastically fresh.

The cast are sensational bringing the energy to this hilariously unhinged musical with slick and sassy choreography. Dressed in modern attire, the cast of six is large compared to most at the Fringe and as their gorgeous harmonies fill the venue at Gilded Balloon, it is clear what an asset this is. They bounce around the stage converting “marble” columns into a variety of locations and showing off their fantastic storytelling abilities. Nothing feels superfluous and the 60 minutes flies by - we can’t wait to see what a full scale production would look like.

This high camp and, at times, bonkers musical may seem silly on the surface but this Renaissance romp is full of heart and lessons about the value of friendship and acceptance. If you are visiting the Fringe this year, make sure you add Pop Off, Michelangelo! to your watch list.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Luck

Pop Off, Michelangelo! plays at Gilded Balloon Patter House until 26 Aug, with further info here.