The Larry's are a prestigious award for teen musical-theatre performers. Olly, an old hand, is thrilled to be in the final thirty and is determined that his last year will be his best yet; meanwhile, it's Tarun's first year, having been nominated for one performance. When the boys are paired together as room mates, they get off to a bad start, completely misunderstanding each other. But can they get over their differences and come together against rival competitors?
Olly has lived his life immersed in musical theatre and knows everything there is to know about it - Broadway, off Broadway, Sondheim, huge hits as well as those that flopped; if it's been a musical for more than two seconds, Olly knows about it! This is his last year as a Larry's finalist and he knows how much winning means if he is to make it as a professional one day. He is determined to make the most of every minute and is adamant that events from last year won't affect him this year. Tarun, meanwhile, is a newbie to The Larry's, having been nominated for one performance where he stood in as understudy in Les Mis. He's thrilled to have been nominated but, once he arrives, he quickly feels as though he doesn't belong: everybody seems to know more than him and it's making him feel more and more anxious by the minute. Olly and Tarun have had very different upbringings: whilst Olly's dad has embraced his passions and his sexuality; Tarun's dad has shunned it - if it weren't for his mum since his parents' divorce, he wouldn't be involved in musical theatre at all. The pair appear very different at first meet, but they actually have so much more in common than they think; it's just a question of whether they can get past their initial impressions.
Showstopper was just what I needed this half-term! Sometimes in life, you just need pure escapism and to lose yourself in the pages of a book that sweeps you away in romance, drama and musicals... and this is just that! It's a joyous celebration of young love; it's a beautiful exploration of first kisses, of managing unkindness and celebrating and loving who you are. However, it quickly becomes apparent that, amongst the romance, there is so much more to the book: anxiety, parental acceptance, having the strength to stand up for what you believe in, and facing bullies are all themes that are explored alongside the will they/won't they romance. It's a book that quietly packs a punch with messages that readers need to hear.
Publishing on the 7th May, Showstopper is a page turning YA romance that will warm your heart and remind you that being yourself is the best thing you can be. So whether you're defying gravity, dreaming a dream or saying hello to Dolly, this is a book you need to read - it deserves every moment of the limelight.
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