MARVELous: A Risque Parody - Fringe World 2026

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

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MARVELous delivers exactly what it promises: a high-energy, cheeky, pop-culture mash-up that doesn’t take itself too seriously, as narrated by everyone’s favourite X-rated antihero, Deadpool (Samwise Holmes). Packed with recognisable characters, popular songs (from Flashdance to Wicked), and plenty of burlesque flair, this is a romp of a show designed for fans who enjoy their superheroes with a heavy dose of camp and sex appeal.

You don’t need deep knowledge of the MCU to enjoy the ride. The characters are instantly recognisable, and the storytelling framework, guided by Deadpool’s irreverent narration, helps anchor the chaos and keep the story (so much as there is one) moving. The parody elements land best when the lyrics and jokes are clear, though at times some of the live vocals, while impressive, were a little pitchy and drowned out by the backing tracks, making certain lyrics harder to follow.

Circus and aerials form part of the show’s appeal, but in a Fringe environment where audiences are spoiled with exceptionally high-level circus, these moments felt a little undercooked in comparison. While still impressive, some of the aerial work lacked the precision, power and polish that would elevate it from good to truly standout — even during Spiderman's (Logan Grant) crowd-swinging finale.

What can’t be faulted is the cast’s commitment. The energy on stage is relentless, with performers visibly pouring sweat in what felt like 27°C at 10pm. The ensemble clearly gives everything they have, and their enthusiasm for both the material and the MCU is infectious.

From a technical standpoint, the show shines in several areas. The rear screen is bright and colourful, the sound system delivers strong, up-tempo tracks, and the lighting and set changes are cleverly executed, creating great flow between numbers — a credit to the hardworking stage crew. That said, some lighting effects were intense enough to wash directly into the audience’s eyes, and a clearer warning about potentially problematic lighting may be appreciated for some audience members.

Timing, however, was a significant issue. A 15-minute late start followed by a show running around 10 minutes long (going from an advertised 70 minute show to 95 minutes) is a major faux pas at a Fringe festival — particularly on a busy Saturday night, where audiences are often rushing between tightly scheduled shows. With a large crowd, earlier door opening and tighter time management would greatly improve the overall audience experience.

Expect the unexpected: scantily-clad Lady Thor (Sarah Jane Kelly) and Pony Stark (Lulani Rawson), Captain America (Trent Owers) and Bucky (Logan Grant) recreating the iconic Dirty Dancing lift, and more with costumes that wink at all the beloved characters. It’s silly, sexy, and unapologetically over the top.

Is MARVELous entertaining? Absolutely. Would I see it again? With the right group of nerdy friends and a love of campy, pop-culture chaos — probably. It may not reach the technical heights of Fringe’s best circus offerings, but for fans of Marvel, parody, and high-energy spectacle, it delivers a fun, sweaty, and unapologetically silly night out.

Reviewer Note: Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.