Antonio is billed as a ‘queer pop punk pirate musical’. Add a liberal sprinkling of Shakespeare and you have a production that goes where no show has gone before!

With a cast of 5, all playing multiple instruments, the pirate cast of Antonio sings up a storm on the high seas (or the Migration Museum). It is a song cycle of sorts set to punk rock. There’s a bit of everything in this production, comedy, slapstick, audience participation and most importantly songs with music by Ania Upstill, William Duignan, and Andy Manning.

The songs are extremely catchy (one of them ‘F**k Money’ having audience participation). Duignan (Antonio) has a strong voice with an amazing range and fronts the band and production.

Performances from the ensemble are strong, each having their moment to shine as they become the different lovers of Antonio. Even though the production is set centuries ago, it has many elements that resonate with modern day life.
What is impressive is the way each of the five performers supports the other. When they are not in character they are setting up for the next section or revving up the audience and keeping the energy going. If we all supported each other to this extent, the world would be a much happier place!

Antonio is an hour of queer joy and song that will have you stomping your feet, laughing with the cast and maybe seeing Shakespeare in a whole new light!