Review: POP OFF, MICHELANGELO!, The Other Palace
Photo credit: Steve Ullathorne
Pop Off, Michelangelo! is an absolute must-see at The Other Palace, bringing laughs, gasps, and fresh fun to the stage with its wildly entertaining take on the legendary rivalry between Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.
Written by Dylan MarcAurele and directed by Joe McNeice, this brisk one-hour-fifteen-minute musical dives into ambition, faith, and the cost of concealing one’s true self. Both artists, newly aware of their forbidden identities, are desperate for divine approval, hoping their art will redeem them.
Supported by a fantastic plot, Mike and Leo’s friendship undergoes a rich transformation, beautifully arcing from close camaraderie to fierce competition. Even before the show begins, the stage design and music set a vibrant tone: pink lighting, grand white columns, and a colourful patchwork floor inspired by Renaissance art create a striking scene. As the audience enters, they’re greeted by string renditions of pop hits including ‘Good Luck Babe’, ‘Espresso’, and ‘Watermelon Sugar High’, a perfect blend of quirky modern flair and historical charm that pulls everyone right into Michelangelo and Leonardo’s world.
The humour throughout is razor-sharp, packed with cheeky references to Titanic, The Devil Wears Prada, and Mean Girls, making it relatable and refreshingly modern. Aidan MacColl’s Leonardo steals the show, blending camp comedy with a delightful flamboyance that feels straight out of Derry Girls. His animated expressions and wild energy are captivating, perfectly contrasted by Max Eade’s nuanced portrayal of Michelangelo. Eade masterfully balances Michelangelo’s ambition and restraint, infusing the character with a dry wit and subtle vulnerability that ground the humour and add layers to their rivalry. Together, they’re pure magic—like a queer twist on Wicked—as their friendship shifts from supportive to ruthlessly competitive.
One of the musical’s highlights is the hilariously outrageous ‘I Want’ song, where both Mike and Leo reveal their deepest desires. This number not only delivers shockingly big laughs but also serves as a perfect moment for both characters (and the audience) to realise they’re hiding the same forbidden secret. It’s the ideal mix of comedy and revelation, showcasing both MacColl and Eade’s talents as they absolutely shine, setting the stage for the rivalry to come.
The warmth of the show comes from this evolving friendship, making it all the more shocking when Michelangelo eventually betrays Leonardo in a bid for success. The audience audibly gasped—a testament to the emotional depth behind the laughs and a reminder of the weight each character carries beneath their humour.
The Pope, played by Paul Toulson, and Savanarola, played by Lucy Carter, add even more laughs, especially with the Pope puffing on a flavoured vape—a hilarious, modern touch that feels perfectly at home in this quirky Renaissance world. Toulson plays the Pope as a flamboyantly camp figure, adding a wonderfully ironic twist as he rails against “sinful” lifestyles and denounces immorality. This contrast makes for a unique comedic dynamic that plays both with and against stereotypes, adding to the show’s irreverent charm. Meanwhile, Carter’s performance as Savanarola is a standout; her portrayal of a prim, older gentleman with a posh British accent is both precise and uproarious. Her timing and facial expressions are consistently hilarious, stealing scenes with subtle looks and gestures that capture the character’s absurdity with impressive control.
The musical numbers are a highlight, especially ‘Pick Me Girl’, where Maiya Quansah-Breed’s delivers powerhouse vocals, beautifully harmonised by Eade’s Michelangelo. The song’s message—about not chasing every opportunity—is both funny and relatable, making it one of the show’s standout moments. However, the title song, ‘Pop Off, Michelangelo’, while amusing, lacks the vocal punch and energy of the other numbers, feeling somewhat underwhelming by comparison.
Despite these minor dips, the cast’s infectious enthusiasm and clever writing keep the show’s energy high. The Legally Blonde-inspired trial scene is a smart twist, though it slightly undermines the seriousness of Leonardo’s predicament. Adding a bit more weight to this moment could have elevated the emotional stakes, but with such a short runtime, it’s understandable that the production stays light.
In a world where revivals and adaptations dominate, Pop Off, Michelangelo! is a fantastic reminder of why new musicals matter. It’s fresh, bold, and inventive—a quirky, heartfelt romp through history that leaves audiences laughing, gasping, and craving more. Playing now at The Other Palace, this is one you won’t want to miss!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Laura Harris
