Alright, theatre aficionado, get ready to dive into the wonderfully wacky world of One Man Musical at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. This isn’t your typical Andrew Lloyd Webber tribute show. Forget the usual reverence; this production is a hilarious roast, lovingly crafted by the comedic duo Flo & Joan and brought to life by the talented George Fouracres. It’s a night filled with sharp satire, ego trips galore, and enough theatrical absurdity to make you question everything you thought you knew about musical theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, feeling a bit past his prime, decides the only way to stay relevant is to star in a one-man show about himself. Yes, you read that right. A one-man show. About him. The sheer audacity of the premise is comedy gold.
Flo & Joan, those musical comedy masterminds, are the brains behind this beautifully deranged operation. They saw a gap in the market for a show that simultaneously celebrates and eviscerates Webber’s legacy, and they filled it with a healthy dose of sass and self-aware silliness. And Fouracres? He’s not just playing Webber; he becomes him. He’s got the mannerisms, the vocal tics, the borderline-delusional self-confidence down to a tee. It’s so good, it’s almost spooky.
As you settle into your seat (and let’s be honest, the Underbelly Boulevard Soho isn’t exactly the Royal Opera House, but that’s part of its charm), you’re greeted by a stage that’s intentionally… well, basic. This isn’t a lavish production, folks, and that’s part of the joke. Webber – sorry, Fouracres-as-Webber – bursts onto the scene with ‘It’s All About Me!‘, a song so brazenly self-congratulatory, it’s almost offensive. But then you realize it’s all a joke, and you can’t help but laugh. You’ll go on a whirlwind of his career, including his Rice-y relationship with Tim.
The show whisks you through Webber’s career highlights (and lowlights), reimagining iconic moments with a comedic twist. The musical numbers are spot-on parodies of Webber’s signature style, complete with soaring melodies, dramatic orchestrations, and lyrics that are just batshit crazy enough to be believable. At one point, Webber even attempts stand-up comedy, resulting in a hilariously awkward display of forced jokes and desperate attempts to connect with the TikTok generation. It’s cringe-worthy and brilliant all at once.
Fouracres’ performance is a masterclass in comedic impersonation. He doesn’t just mimic Webber; he embodies the essence of Webber-ness. His physicality is on point, his vocal delivery is impeccable, and his ability to hold the audience captive with nothing more than a raised eyebrow and a knowing smirk is truly impressive. Flo & Joan, lurking in the background as the orchestra, provide a constant stream of dry wit and sarcastic commentary, adding another layer of humor to the production. Their knowing glances and perfectly timed interjections are worth the price of admission alone.
Beyond the laughs, One Man Musical is a surprisingly insightful commentary on ego, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of fame. It also raises questions about the nature of artistic integrity and the commercialisation of art. Is Webber a genius, a charlatan, or something in between? The show doesn’t offer an answer, but it certainly gives you plenty to think about.
You won’t forget One Man Musical anytime soon. It’s a bold, irreverent, and utterly hilarious take on one of the most iconic figures in musical theatre history. And who knows, maybe even Andrew Lloyd Webber himself will see the funny side. Or maybe he’ll just sue them. Either way, it’s a hit! Go see it!