Words: Elodie Marriott

5 stars

Ahoy there!

Introducing themselves as the sexy Fisherman’s Friends, the cast of Shantify certainly look
the part, kitted out with chunky fisherman knits and seafaring headgear. But more than
anything, they sound the part. If you have ever wanted to hear classic pop hits transformed
into maritime work songs fit for a sailor, Shantify will fulfil those desires and even throw in a
few nautical puns.

From Wheatus to the Spice Girls, the show’s setlist covers a range of artists and genres that
will truly please every music lover. But musical fans will be the most satisfied as they
dedicate a large portion of the set to show tunes. The cast, made up of West End leading
men, belt their parts confidently, covering medleys of Hamilton and Six. These are
exceptionally energetic and hugely enjoyable performances.

The arrangements are so well-crafted you can almost smell the salty ocean and feel the
wind on your face. Alternatively, that breeze could be the breath of Shantify’s patron saint
Elaine Paige, who compliments the men through a hole in the Spiegeltent.

For one of their last songs, they sing a much-loved Scottish classic, though certainly in a
way never heard before. The melodic depth of their harmonies are ocean deep. A siren’s
song would be no match for these fishermen.

Shantify!
Assembly Rooms – Bijou,
13:00
Aug 13-25