Pop Off, Michelangelo! plays at The Other Palace on 4th and 5th November, fresh from a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. With its flamboyant energy and unapologetically camp spirit, the show descends upon London like a whirlwind, leaving a tongue-in-cheek trail of historical melodrama and chaos in its wake.
The stage opens on a relatively bare set: a collection of Romanesque pillars, evocative of the play’s Italian roots, serves as both a scenic nod to our protagonists Michelangelo and Leonardo’s era and a flexible tool for the actors to reimagine scenes. The staging is complemented by a charming floor design reminiscent of ancient murals and Roman baths, adding a layer of classical whimsy to the atmosphere.
As expected for a Fringe piece, Pop Off, Michelangelo! is designed to be highly portable, easy to pack up and take on the road. One can only imagine the visual spectacle that could unfold with a larger budget, particularly in the area of costume, which would add another layer to the already vivid theatricality.
The plot is wonderfully absurd, blending the real history (Quote: “everything in this story is historically accurate!”) of two iconic Renaissance artists, reimagined with a Gen Z flair for humour that is playfully nonsensical. The result? A high-camp extravaganza of power ballads, outrageous innuendos, and unapologetically silly lines. Certain songs evoke a juvenile joy akin to The Book of Mormon, especially in standout musical numbers like “Drawn to You” and “Pick Me Girl,” the latter of which even includes a surprise cameo from a well-known film actor.
Admittedly, the show occasionally feels rough around the edges, with moments of inconsistency in both the script and performances. Yet its buoyant energy is infectious, sweeping the audience into its absurdity and refusing to let them go. By the end, it’s hard not to leave smiling, marvelling at its chaotic charm.
Pop Off, Michelangelo! is daft, audacious, and geared towards a younger crowd, capturing the offbeat spirit of a new generation. Not flawless, but brimming with heart and humour.
