★★★★☆
Comedy’s favourite musical sisters, Flo & Joan, have struck gold with One Man Musical, their wildly funny, razor-sharp satire about the life of none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber. With their signature wit and a knack for catchy songs, they’ve created a show that might just be the funniest musical of its generation.
This high-energy, delightfully unhinged production follows a caricature of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a man desperately searching for his next hit after an alleged 38-year dry spell (ever since Phantom of the Opera). In a last-ditch effort to remain relevant, he does what any self-respecting theatre legend would do—writes a self-referential musical about himself and stages it Off-West-End at the Underbelly Boulevard, right in the heart of Soho, next to the sex shops. The show takes us through his “humble” Kensington upbringing (his father was the director of the London College of Music, after all), his fateful meeting with Tim (Tesco Everyday) Rice, and the success of his musical revivals—especially when performed in one of the six theatres he owns.
From start to finish, One Man Musical is gloriously tongue-in-cheek. It playfully skewers the tropes of modern theatre, from moody black-and-white productions with excessive video screens to questionable celebrity stunt casting. Webber’s own work is an endless source of parody, with musical theatre fans laughing at every inside joke. That said, for those unfamiliar with Webber’s vast influence, some of the show didn’t shine quite so brightly—but for seasoned theatre lovers, it’s a non-stop joyride. Even the pre-show music, featuring mashups of classic musical theatre numbers with a modern twist, is a clever touch that sets the tone perfectly.
One Man Musical is everything great fringe theatre should be—it’s bold, brash, and doesn’t rely on spectacle to deliver a knockout performance. If you’re expecting a big-budget musical with sweeping orchestration and Catherine Zeta-Jones belting out high notes that could shatter glass, this isn’t it. Instead, this show thrives on its raw, electrifying energy. It’s one performer, a couple of chairs, a rail of costumes, and comedic brilliance. No gimmicks, no frills—just theatrical chaos.
Of course, none of this would work without the genius of Flo & Joan. The incredibly talented sister duo (aka Nicola and Rosie Dempsey) not only wrote the show but serve as its entire two-piece band—Nicola on piano and Rosie on drums. Their writing is quick, witty, and jam-packed, well exceeding the “laugh a minute” quota. The show also leans into moments of audience interaction, giving the performer room to improvise, riff on the crowd, and embrace the joyful unpredictability of live theatre.
And at the heart of it all is George Fouracres, who delivers an utterly unhinged performance as Andrew Lloyd Webber. He is nothing short of a comedic genius—his expressive physicality, wildly inventive delivery, and sheer command of the stage make for a masterclass in character comedy. His portrayal turns Webber into a larger-than-life caricature, solidifying the show as an out-and-out comedy from beginning to end.
The show had both lighting and amplification, though I wouldn't necessarily call it sound and lighting design. While I wasn’t expecting a Glastonbury-level production, the balance wasn’t right—the lead actor’s microphone was uncomfortably loud, while Flo and Joan’s mics were at times barely audible. The lighting served its purpose, transitioning between musical numbers and shifting the mood in the final moments. However, given that this is a parody of musical theatre, there was a huge opportunity to have even more fun with the tech. A bit of playful exaggeration in the lighting and sound could have elevated the performance even further!
In a world obsessed with celebrity biopics, One Man Musical is the perfect antidote. A gloriously ridiculous, smartly observed, and joyfully chaotic love letter to (and roast of) musical theatre, it’s a must-see for comedy and theatre fans alike. If you’ve ever belted out Don’t Cry for Me Argentina in the shower or passionately debated whether Cats was a masterpiece or a fever dream, then this show is absolutely for you.
Catch One Man Musical at the Underbelly Boulevard, London, until the 2nd of March—before Andrew Lloyd Webber himself tries to shut it down!
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