Musicals inspired by history really don’t have any reason to stick to the facts. After all, we’re pretty sure that the founding fathers didn’t invent rap, regardless of what Hamilton implies.
Pop Off Michelangelo! is pure fantasy, based loosely around the lives of Renaissance artists Michelangelo! and Leonardo Da Vinci. According to this thoroughly researched, 100% accurate show, the pair grew up together. And also Leo had a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles pin badge.
The show opens with a quick explanation that this is not about Beyoncé’s Renaissance, and then slides straight into a big, flashy musical number. Renaissance Italy only really becomes relevant to drive the plot forward. Our protagonists are very gay, and the church really doesn’t approve, so this forms our central conflict. Really, though, all of this is the vessel in which to pour in as much camp comedy and queer musical numbers as possible.
Every character is over the top, from the vape-toking Pope to Machiavelli as a cartoonish pizza dude. (Seriously, it looks like he’s just stepped from a pizza box.) This show doesn’t take itself so seriously, and that’s why it’ll have you roaring with laughter.
The show we saw had some slight technical issues. The fringe just about copes with big musicals at the best of times, but Pop Off Michelangelo! Pushes it to the limit. But it was handled extremely well and didn’t get in the way of the fun.
Pop Off Michelangelo! is a queer anthem of a show, an absolute celebration of LGBTQIA+ themes, with some smashing songs. Just don’t use it as a basis for your A-Level history essay.
You can book tickets for the Edinburgh Fringe show here and learn more about future shows here.
