Review: Shantify (Underbelly Boulevard Soho)

Review by Amelia Hayward

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fisherman’s Friends meets Choir of Man in Shantify, a sea-faring musical about friendship, home-ties and the love of the sea. With a Beyonce mega-mix and an Elton John classic “shantified”, you are guaranteed a fun evening, even when the story veers off course.

Shantify has come a long way since it set sail in 2021. Originating as an online chorus of West-End singers performing musical theatre songs in the form of sea shanties, the concept grew in prominence after their cover of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 went viral on Tiktok. Since then, the group has graced the Edinburgh Fringe twice, with another highly anticipated return planned for this summer. 

Directed by Jo Parsons and choreographed by Chris Hall, the production is modestly staged but cleverly choreographed, allowing the six stand out West End voices to chart new waters. Richard Williamson’s lighting is effective and supports the narrative, particularly in such an intimate theatre. The real captains of this ship, however, are Harry Style and Ashley Jacobs, whose musical direction and arrangements steer the evening with confidence. 

The setlist moves from iconic tracks such as 9 to 5 and Man In The Mirror to musical theatre favourites ranging from Anything Goes to Hamilton, before boomeranging back to pop classics Teenage Dirtbag and 500 Miles. Much like any good wedding playlist, there really is something for everyone. A particularly stunning version of You’ll Never Walk Alone near the end of Act One is a surefire standout moment.

The evening is split into two sections: Act One, a sea-shanty-driven story of life by the sea, friendship and camaraderie; and Act Two, just twenty minutes long, set in “The Port Arms”,where the cast perform songs without an overarching narrative, embracing a more concert-style format. Unfortunately, this is where Shantify loses its way. 

It was a common sentiment overheard at the interval: while the idea of six fishermen who sing shanties and volunteer as RNLI lifeguards has the makings of a great hook, unfortunately for writer Emily Wood, the story feels underdeveloped. Beyond the catchy concept of ‘Britain’s Got Sea Shanties’, the plot is thin and forced, often feeling shaped around the songs rather than the other way round - not unlike a sixth-season episode of Glee.

There is, however, no denying the talent of “The Barnacle Buoys”. Each performer brings something distinct: Bass singers Cal T King and Alfie French add depth to every song; Michael Riseley delivers stunning and deeply emotive vocals, and Ollie Wray brings charisma and energy throughout the evening. Joe Bishop and Jack Whittle provide the show’s heart and humour, their dynamic duo of brothers in a family fishing business anchors the production when it threatens to capsize. One particular highlight sees an audience member welcomed onstage and serenaded by each performer in a bid to win their heart, masterfully conducted by Whittle. Audience participation is central to the evening and, in such an intimate space, it's impossible not to be swept along. 

Shantify clearly resonates with audiences. Its journey from the dark days of Covid to a planned 2027 tour, alongside performances earlier this year at Cornwall's iconic Minack Theatre, is evidence enough. It's undeniably a feel-good event, and there's plenty of treasure in these waters, but unfortunately, most of it is buried in the score rather than the script. 

Shantify plays at The Underbelly Boulevard, Soho until 14^th June, before setting sail to Edinburgh and beyond in 2027. Tickets from https://underbellyboulevard.com/tickets/shantify/

Photos by Danny Kaan