The Shape of Seamen: a new comic opera
A classic tail of boy meets fish- the torrid, tantalizing romance between sailor and siren. When Herman, a lonely fisherman brings home a beautiful mermaid, the two lovers face mundane domestic challenges like infidelity, murder accusations, species-specific sexual barriers, lovecraftian body horror, and leaving the seat up.
This was wild! I found it a bit difficult to follow at times but overall I loved this hilarious musical about Hermy the sailor and Calypso the mermaid. It went some pretty weird places but in a delightful way! I loved the fish-headed band. The mermaid in the tub was super well-done too!
A sailor and a salt-water siren: new, kooky, original, and all in rhyming couplets! Gllbert and Sulliver on acid.... see full 12thnight review!
One of my favourite shows I've seen this year. The actors were incredibly talented and funny, the songs were original and creative, and the overall plot was flawless. Watched on opening night and I couldn't e more impressed. The way they played off the technical hiccups just added more charm and humour to the show. I highly recommend.
It’s a tale as old as time, really. Sailor meets siren, they fall in love, transform each other, get tied up in a couple of deaths, live happily ever after.
You know, that old chestnut.
This is silly and saucy stuff, and our two performers take on four characters with ease.
Want a fringe show with something you've never seen before? Swim on up.
https://lucyhainesca.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/review-the-shape-of-seamen-a-new-comic-opera/
This is the funniest show I’ve seen this fest. Absolutely bonkers gags, genuinely fun and well-written songs. And my god, the show is tight. Pacing moves at a fast clip and there isn’t a moment left for the audience to get bored. The set, costumes, and songs are so whimsical and delightful. Kudos to the performers, who give comedic performances worthy of a much larger stage. This creative team has been on my must-watch list since Let’s Not Turn on Each Other and they continue to defend their spot with ease.
I scream-laughed through the whole thing. Michael Watt and Nicole Maloney's chemistry and comic timing are electric, and you are thrown into a whirlwind of plot twists and comedy that almost shouldn't work but does every time. Even when there is clearly not enough time for a scene or costume change, the actors stay fully engaged and keep the audience hooked (a terrible fishing pun, please forgive me). While not all the musical moments hit as hard as they maybe could, the two actors voices blend beautifully together and the score is utilized in an incredible way to elevate the already stellar comedic moments. This show is an absolute must see!
A tale as old as time. A sailor sees a beautiful woman on the rocks and falls madly in love with a hungry mermaid. The Shape of Seamen takes this idea in so many entirely new directions. A cast of just two, Michael Watt and Nicole Maloney are not afraid to put it all out there on the stage, despite the truly ridiculous nature of the show. Both of them shine as actors, improvisers, singers, and oftentimes physical comedians. The songs and the lyrics, both by Jacquelin Walters, are funny and clever, and are sure to get a laugh out of even the most uncomfortable audience members. This show is certainly not what may come to mind when you think of opera, but its dirty, raunchy, comedic tones are perhaps very in line with the way classical operas traditionally pushed past boundaries. Overall, this show was a fun, wet time, and with a venue in the Spotlight Cabaret dinner theatre it felt truly like a classic vaudeville opera.
The storytelling was humorous and entertaining with a good use of the space. Having live music was a fun touch however at times the singing could have been better refined. If you are looking for a show that feels very "fringe" this is a solid pick.
This was an incredible show, I'm recommending it to everyone I know!
The cast of two kept an incredible pace - non-stop singing, costume changes, and amazing range. And a band of two talented "fish" played live music on a hollow body electric and accordion to accompany the entire show. The cast were so committed to their parts, you couldn't help but get swept away with laughter.
It's witty, a little raunchy, and had the whole audience in stitches. I could barely keep it together at the carrageenan joke.
An instant all time favourite - I would be shocked if it doesn't sell out :)
Bloody hilarious and bonkers in a great way. Fab artistry in the singing, music, useage of the space and full commitment to the performance however ludicrous it was. One of my fave Fringe shows ever and I am an old sea witch. 10,000 leagues out of 10.