Showstopper! The Musical is a true gift: an improvised show high on musical flair, wit, slapstick and general good cheer. Much comedy nowadays is drawn towards social commentary which is unquestionably important, relevant and poignant but good God, it's nice to have a break from it. When an audience member suggested the musical be centered around Twitter HQ, director Dylan Emery (to my relief) commented "Absolutely not. We're here to have fun."

The premise is simple - a brand new musical is crafted each night based on suggestions from the audience. Spectators decide the setting, title, plot twists and musical style they wish to see and the highly skilled and always enthusiastic cast deliver. On the night I attended, 'Santa's Workshop' was the chosen setting, narrowly beating the inspired suggestion of 'An Abandoned Puppet Factory in Swansea'. Thankfully, recognising the comedic potential here, the improvisers incorporated scenes around the 'puppet floor' of the workshop, leading to some of the musical's funniest moments.

The talent on display here is truly breathtaking and you wonder how they're not center-stage in the West End each night (or, given their ability to comedically bluff their way through any scenario, employed in Downing Steet). Regular improv is challenging enough but to throw in improvised songs and, on top of that, different musical styles every few minutes is astounding. These are professional singers too - no weak voices here. Our musical,  'What The Elf Is Going On?', included songs in the style of Chicago, Oh What A Lovely War!, Matilda, HMS Pinafore...and Stormzy - a wildcard that the improvisers ran with anyway because when you're that talented, you probably relish a challenge. 

The Showstoppers have experienced eleven sell-out years at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, two West End runs, an Olivier award and a BBC Radio 4 series.The cast performing this night was made up of Adam Meggido, Andrew Pugsley, Lucy Trodd, Ali James and Ruth Bratt, although there is a changing rota for each performance. The entire cast and accompanying musicians work in such effortless harmony, it's easy to forget they're making this up on the spot. Special mention goes to Bratt for her magical performance of 'Give Me A Child That's Nice, Please" as a Welsh puppet in the style of Chicago. 

Amongst many plot twists and turns, our musical featured unionising puppets, a 'sexy' Santa with a wandering eye, a rebellious Mrs Claus and an earnest gnome. Not your average Christmas show but definitely one of the best I've seen. 

Showstopper! The Musical are performing numerous dates throughout the country next year. To find out more and book tickets, head here.