MARVELous The Show
Big Laughs, Bold Moves, and Biceps to Match—Marvel Just Got MARVELous!
Reviewed by Brendan Daynes
MARVELous The Show is an absolute thrill from start to finish. This bold and original parody captures the Marvel universe with a cheeky twist that blends comedy, acrobatics, live music, and daring stunts in ways you never imagined. Guided by Deadpool himself, our raunchy and unreliable narrator, the show explores iconic scenes from Marvel’s cinematic empire and other beloved pop culture favourites such as Dirty Dancing and Flashdance. It’s a deliciously twisted adventure for adults that doesn’t hold back, keeping the audience in stitches throughou.
The ensemble cast is nothing short of exceptional. Each performer brings not only skill but an infectious energy to their roles, embodying the essence of their characters while injecting new and unexpected elements. Co-creator, Samwise Holmes, who also directs the production, doubles as Deadpool, delivering the playful, fourth-wall-breaking antics one would expect from Marvel’s cheekiest anti-hero. Holmes charms his way into the audience’s hearts, inviting us along for the wild ride with humour and a healthy dose of absurdity. His interactions with the audience, brimming with quick-witted banter, make the crowd feel like they’re part of the action, breaking down the usual theatre boundaries and bringing an interactive edge to the performance. 
The cast deliver exceptional performances across the board. Andrew Waldin’s Dr Strange impresses with powerful vocals and self-deprecating humour, while Lulani Rawson as Iron Woman has the crowd in stitches. Liberty Thirsk brings both strength and elegance to Gwen Stacey, and Megan Wonfor’s Black Widow combines humour with fierce ballet and fight moves. Thomas Remaili as Fat Thor and Hulk delivers laughs with a comedic twist, and Sarah Jane Kelly’s Lady Thor charms as she takes to the skies. Jacob McPherson stands out as both Spiderman and Bucky, Emma Wong’s Pony Tony oozes style, and Kaylee Kingi’s Winter Soldier captivates with intensity. Michael Boyle embodies the heroic Captain America, while Andrea Zappacosta adds mystique as Scarlett Witch. Each performer brings unique skills that elevate the show to an unforgettable level.
The production is a true showcase of technical skill and genre-spanning choreography. Credit goes to choreographer Luka Lea-Vestic, who has masterfully woven together an array of dance styles, each fitting the era and feel of the soundtrack. There are elements of hip-hop, classical ballet, jazz, and acrobatics, all infused with character-specific personality. The choreography not only amplifies each character’s essence but also highlights the versatility of this multitalented cast.
The visual spectacle is an absolute feast for the eyes, thanks to Dan Potra’s grand stage design. The set itself is immersive and cinematic, as big and bold as any Marvel movie backdrop, creating a larger-than-life setting for the onstage antics. James Wallis’s lighting design is equally impressive, casting dramatic shadows and electrifying colours that complement the high-energy rock-infused soundtrack. Each scene feels heightened and intensely visual, as though plucked right from the pages of a graphic novel. Together, the set and lighting transform the theatre into a pulsating, adrenaline-fuelled world where anything is possible and no character—nor audience member—is safe from a bit of fun.
For all its scale and spectacle, this is a show that subverts expectations, with its adult humour and playful satire holding our attention in lieu of a conventional narrative. Rather than a linear storyline, it presents a series of humorous vignettes, each connected by Deadpool’s “bedtime story” format. This structure allows the show to bounce from one ludicrous setup to the next, keeping the audience constantly entertained without the need for a complex plot. While fans of Marvel will especially enjoy the many insider references, even those less familiar with the Marvel universe will find plenty to laugh at, thanks to the relatable humour and classic movie homages.
It’s clear that MARVELous was created by superfans for superfans, with every element designed to pay homage to and poke fun at these larger-than-life heroes we all know and love. The rock-infused soundtrack adds a gritty edge that keeps the energy high, and the inventive stagecraft ensures there’s always something new to marvel at (pun fully intended). But beyond the flashy exterior, there’s a vibrant joy in the production that comes from the passion and dedication of its cast and crew. This is a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that light-hearted spirit is infectious.
MARVELous The Show is a production that dares to be different, drawing on the epic feel of the Marvel universe while delivering a wholly unique experience that is all its own. Running until Sunday, 10 November, with evening and matinee performances at Melbourne’s National Theatre, this limited engagement is a must-see for anyone ready to laugh and let loose with their favourite superheroes like never before. Following the Melbourne season, the show will also be at the Adelaide Fringe before embarking on a national tour. Tickets are available at marveloustheshow.com.au
