MARVELous

Marvelous at Riverside Theatre is a spectacular showcase that would make even Iron Man (or woman) tip a helmet. This supercharged show sends audiences flying higher than Captain Marvel and is wrapped in a bundle of aerials, live vocals, dance, stunts, and a risqué edge.

Samwise Holmes (creator, director & writer) opens his tale with a cheeky hint of what’s to come. It’s naughty, loud, and packs a punch as it turns the other cheek. 

Deadpool (also played by Holmes) reads a bedtime story, and your favourite Characters leap from page to  stage with stellar performances into a universe where drama, comedy, and raunchy coexist in perfect harmony. 

Designed with Tony Stark's meticulousness, the set pieces are bound by links of steel that move and change between scenes, while inventive lighting offers visuals as mesmerising as a Doctor Strange spell. 

For eagle-eyed Marvel fans, the show is peppered with eggs that would make Howard the Duck proud. From clever quips to winks and nods, each is vibranium-level valuable. 

The production team has packed an Infinity Gauntlet of skill to orchestrate this Ironclad performance. Performers leap, tumble and turn. Alex Mannering (Aerial Coordination) has the cast fly through the air and leap off buildings, while Emma Wong incorporates choreography that is sharper than Loki’s tongue. Yes, sometimes the gear comes off, but the eye-catching part is genuinely the athleticism of these performers. 

The ladies take on some of the male heroes we know and love, channelling Thor’s hammer-wielding confidence is Lady Thor (Sarah Jane Kelly), a powerhouse of talent, while Pony Stark (Emma Wong) would make Magic Mike blush with her raunchy routines. Meanwhile Andrew Waldin as Dr Strange and Thomas Remaili as Fat Thor weave seamless humour into the plot, bringing laughter even to the most Thanos-like faces in the crowd. It’s quite a cast and all with their own mastery as skilled as any Avenger, Jacob McPherson as (Spiderman, Bucky, Hawkeye), Michael Boyle as (Captain America). Andrea Zappacosta as (Loki, Scarlet Witch), Kaylee Kingi (Winter Soldier), Lulani Rawson as (Iron Woman) and Megan Wonfor (Black Widow). 

The pacing is well-tempered, snapping effortlessly from heart-pounding action to tender moments backed by a rockin soundtrack and a big boy/girl band finish before the heroes go bye bye bye. 

Costume design was a challenge well accepted by Maxine Mueller, who somehow manages to keep the costumes we all know and love while tweaking them to allow for some peachy performances or incredible aerial and acro work. 

Made for those who revel in Marvel's iconic grandiosity yet appreciate Shakespearean layers and naughty humour, Marvelous is a treat for the senses. 

Recommendations? Absolutely! The show is an electrifying experience that Thor-tally reaches the epic scales of The Avengers saga. Whether you're a fan of Earth's mightiest heroes or just dipping your toes into the Marvel Universe, there's something to clasp onto with a Hulk-like grip.

While purists might find a few liberties taken, the changes won’t bruise their shields. Instead, this show's creative differences land more like soft tweaks rather than the shock of Mjolnir. 

There are also recognisable pop culture nods to Dirty Dancing, Magic Mike, Flashdance, Barbie, The Greatest Showman and a Wicked parody. There were many others but you’ll have to check it out. I have to leave some surprises. 

It’s a journey as rewarding as any post-credit scene, ensuring everyone exits feeling as triumphant as Captain America wielding that famous shield.

Fans will swoon, mortals will marvel, and Riverside Theatre shall ring with applause worthy of a superhero’s return.

Nicole Smith 

Photographer: Ben Dingley