Following a smash-hit 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut and a sold-out 8-week London run, Pop Off, Michelangelo! is set to return to the Fringe this summer.
The high-camp musical comedy, written by Dylan MarcAurele, will take to the Udderbelly stage at Underbelly, George Square from 31 July to 25 August, with press performances from 2 August.
Blair Russell Productions brings the show back to Edinburgh with a revitalised production that promises even more outrageous comedy, electropop anthems, and divine (mis)intervention.
Blair Russell said today, “I’m thrilled to be bringing Pop Off, Michelangelo! back to Edinburgh audiences after such a great response to our London run at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. There’s something magical about the Fringe, and returning to Edinburgh feels like coming home. This time we’re performing in our biggest venue yet, which allows even more room for Joe McNeice’s brilliant direction. This camp artistic rivalry has grown to deliver even more over-the-top comedy and uplifting singable anthems. Edinburgh audiences can expect all the electropop bangers, divine intervention (or lack thereof), and wildly inaccurate history they loved, but with fresh energy and exciting new elements that will make this run even more special.”
Director Joe McNeice added, “After a fantastic run in London, I couldn’t be more excited to bring Dylan MarcAurele’s fabulous Pop Off, Michelangelo! back to Edinburgh. The energy of the Fringe is unmatched, and I can’t wait to see our show continue to grow as it takes on the legendary Udderbelly stage this summer. George Square is going to pop off!”
The musical follows childhood friends-turned-rivals Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci as they navigate Renaissance Italy, religious guilt, and artistic ambition—all while dodging a bloodthirsty friar on the hunt for homosexuals.
With an original electropop score described as “infectious as the bubonic plague,” the show has been praised for its joyful chaos, unapologetic queerness, and clever humour.
The full cast for the 2025 run is yet to be announced.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
