Theatre
Preview
Everything you need to know about the musical parody of Heated Rivalry in London
Inspired by the hit hockey romance, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is now playing on the London stage
If you’ve been obsessed with Heated Rivalry, the hockey romance TV show following a secret relationship between two rival players, then this is a safe space to admit it. And as luck would have it, there’s a way for audiences in London to get even more intimate with Shane and Ilya: over at Underbelly Boulevard, their fiery romance is unfolding in live action. With live singing. Here’s everything you need to know about Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody.
Does it follow the same story as Heated Rivalry?
Yes, Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody covers most of the major plot points of Season 1 of the TV show – with a lot of creative liberties and a healthy dollop of irreverence. And it isn’t just the show that’s being gently parodied here, but also its fans – you’ll see the story retold mostly by the show’s narrator, a ‘loveable wine mum’.
Who plays Shane and Ilya?
Shane Hollander is played by Zheng Xi Yong, most recently seen starring in American Psycho at the Almeida. Starring opposite him as Ilya Rozanov is newcomer Joseph Dann. The two made their debuts as the athletic couple this summer at Underbelly George Square during the show’s Edinburgh Fringe run.
What songs are in the musical version of Heated Rivalry?
The show features an original score, and you can expect the songs to fully explore the show’s main themes, from the euphemistic, ‘Shane Hollander, Slap That Stick!’ to the more direct ‘You’re A Gay Guy’.
Which theatre will it play at?
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is playing at Underbelly Boulevard in Soho.
How long will it be in London?
The show will have a strictly limited run, with performances already underway and continuing until 1 Nov 2026. Don’t miss out on your chance to see it!
Who wrote the show?
The show is written by Dylan Marcaurele, whose previous credits include Pop Off, Michelangelo! Beginning life as a one-night reading, the show secured a limited Off-Broadway run which has since been extended. It also visited the Edinburgh Fringe this summer ahead of its London run.
Who’s on the creative team?
The creative team includes choreographers Brooke Engen and Tiffany Engen, set designer Sully Ross, costume designer Brendan McCann, lighting designer Devin Cameron, sound designer Germán Martinez, casting director Harry Blumenau, associate director Max Reynolds, associate lighting designer Jack Goodwin, costume supervisor Beth Qualter Buncall, props supervisor Anna Hunt, intimacy coordinator Jess Hrabowsky and production manager James Anderton.
Why should I see it?
Loved by audiences and critics alike at the Fringe, this show promises to be lively, steamy and outrageously funny – everything a fan of Heated Rivalry could hope for in a parody musical. Grab your tickets before this one skates away.
Heated Rivalry: The Unauthorized Musical Parody is currently playing at Underbelly Boulevard until 1 November – find your tickets here
