If you’re looking for an unforgettable show at the Edinburgh Fringe, look no further than “Shamilton.” Although it’s not new to the Fringe, it is still filling Studio 1 at The Assembly – and people were trying to buy tickets off us in the queue to get in! Inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda’s iconic musical “Hamilton,” the ‘Baby wants Candy’ troupe gives us an improvised hip-hop spectacle – taking the audience on a wild ride through the life stories of a figure selected at random from the audience… all spun into a comedic musical format.
I attended the show with my almost-12-year-old daughter, Kate, who was initially hesitant about what the show would bring. She hasn’t really experienced improv before and was looking at me as if I was mad for suggesting she should miss swimming to go to a show. But as the audience filled the venue, it quickly became clear that this was no typical kids’ show. Within minutes, Kate turned to me with wide eyes and exclaimed, “This is cool!” Her transformation from reluctant viewer to enthusiastic participant was a testament to the show’s magnetic energy.
The premise of “Shamilton” is delightfully simple yet brilliantly executed. The troupe engages the audience by asking for a notable figure to improvise a musical biography. Our audience suggested a fair few suggested but after a ‘cheer off’ – Paddington Bear was the winner with Arnold Schwarzenegger being a close runner-up – so he still made a cameo appearance! While some of the political references flew over Kate’s head, it sparked a valuable conversation about immigration given that Paddington is of course, an immigrant from Peru who made our lives a whole lot better by arriving here.
As for the performers, they were nothing short of phenomenal. The six-member cast showcased insane ability to respond quickly to each other, building songs based on very ‘mixed’ knowledge of Paddington but totally winning at performance with razor-sharp comedic timing. The show opened with a familiar tune, and what followed was an improvised journey that felt effortlessly cohesive. The references to pop culture icons were abundant, with quick-witted nods to the likes of Meghan Markle, demonstrating the troupe’s nimbleness in connecting with their audience, even when some jokes may have been lost on us.
The live band accompanying the show was equally impressive, rising to the challenge of responding to the randomness as the cast played off one another. It was clear that camaraderie among the cast and crew elevated the show, creating an atmosphere of pure fun.
The audience was electrified throughout the performance, making it one of the most lively crowds I’ve encountered at the Fringe. The energy was palpable, with cheers and laughter erupting as the show unfolded. “Shamilton” is a riotous celebration of improv and musical theatre, blending spontaneity with skill in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
So… final thoughts: “Shamilton” is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre or improv comedy. It’s a refreshing take on storytelling that invites audience participation and encourages laughter. As we left the theatre, Kate and I were already discussing who we’d like to see featured in future shows and wondering how different it would be if we go back tomorrow! With a promise of more adventures to come, I find myself eagerly anticipating what Baby Wants Candy will conjure up next at the Fringe (they have another show at 8pm and a bunch of solo shows too!) Don’t miss your chance to catch this exhilarating show – tickets available here.
We were kindly gifted tickets for the purpose of this review but in our humble opinion, this one gets 5 stars. We’ve got other recommendations for pre-teens/teens here and watch this space for some options for younger kids too!
