Showstopper

by Tom Ramsay

Genres: Young Adult

352 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 6, 2026

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cozy read!! I’ve been obsessed with theatre lately so this was just such a vibe.

Olly can I say is literally the sweetest and I’ll never forgive anyone who’s mean to him. Same goes to Tarun love him and how despite everything he’s there after being nominated for doing something he has at last been allowed to do? Like excuse me? I hate his dad!! You do make a 6 year feel for being himself, no sir you do not. Love the mom though, protect her at all costs and Olly’s dad as well, they’re literally the parents I wish I had.

There’s sooo many good side characters, I can’t even begin. Zeb is amazing, I want a friend like him. Nate coming in at the perfect time was awesome. Ella, Jas, everyone really was great. Except Oisin but I don’t need to talk about him 😒

This book was so much fun, so fast paced. I just didn’t care about anything when I would pick up my tablet to see how Olly and Tarun were doing. I would just be in my bed, kicking my feet, jus mindlessly giggling. What a joy, I want another one like these, where your mind just stops working except to think of two adorable cute gays. Also Tarun plays the guitar, how cool is that? This was everything! ✨

“Remember to breathe; you're stronger than your anxiety.” I’ll start saying this from now on 🥹

This book comes out on my birthday, October 6 so please do me a favor and check it out!

Thank you NetGalley, Firefly Press and Tom Ramsay for the opportunity to read this arc about this love story set in the world of theatre.

[Glenn Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the book I desperately needed when I was in highschool: theatre-obsessed, living for cast albums, and convinced the only people who truly understood me were the ones waiting in rehearsal. Shopstopper by Tom Ramsay captures that feeling with infectious joy and sincerity.

The novel unfolds over one intense week at “The Larry’s,” the UK’s most prestigious competition for young musical theatre performers. At the centre is Olly: 6’4”, rugby-player built, golden-retriever energy, and gloriously, unapologetically obsessed with musical theatre. He owns T-shirts from flop musicals and fires off niche references like they’re oxygen. After being sabotaged the previous year, he’s back to prove he has leading-man potential ahead of looming drama school auditions.

Enter Tarun: thoughtful, talented, and quietly battling imposter syndrome after being nominated when he unexpectedly stepped into a leading role as Marius in Les Miserables. His father’s comments on being a ‘lad’ weigh heavily, and his “secret hobby” feels fragile under scrutiny. When Olly and Tarun are paired together, sparks don’t exactly fly at first. Olly finds Tarun baffling; Tarun finds Olly overwhelming. But beneath the surface differences, there’s shared vulnerability and the tentative beginnings of first love.

Ramsay is brilliant at recreating the bonds formed in rehearsal rooms: the fast friendships, backstage in-jokes, whispered pep talks, and emotional highs and lows that only fellow performers truly understand. Even as someone who doesn’t regularly read YA, the setting completely won me over. It’s a quick, energetic read filled with the kind of heightened drama only a group of musical theatre kids can generate.

One of the most affecting threads involves a musical director who subtly pressures students to tone down their authenticity to be “marketable.” When his own backstory emerges, it adds a heartbreaking layer that feels painfully real — a reminder of how often young performers are shaped, and sometimes diminished, by industry expectations.

The writing is brisk, warm, and packed with theatre references that feel like a love letter to the community. It carries the sweetness and sincerity of Heartstopper, but filtered through jazz hands and audition nerves. The side characters are vivid and memorable, and even the story’s antagonist brings a theatrical flair that makes them enjoyable.

Ultimately, Shopstopper left me grinning. It’s a celebration of finding your people, owning your spotlight, and discovering that sometimes the biggest showstopper is simply being yourself.

Thank you to NetGalley for supplying me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[bucket :P · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7/5 (rounded to 3 stars)
☆☆☆

i received an aARC from Netgallery in exchange for an honest review

I was someone else with a whole other set of problems to deal with rather than 'you're not good enough, Tarun' or 'people are laughing at you, Tarun'. I was free.

Showstopper by Tom Ramsay is a light hearted story about two boys, Tarun and Olly at drama school auditions. It's a very light story with not much progression of the overall story, which I don't think is a problem because the book is advertised as a 'A life-affirming read for all those searching for their place and their people', so it's meant to be light.

what i did like:
- theatre/film references
- very light
- themes of acceptance and finding your people


what i didn't like:
- story felt dull
- characters did not talk like real people
- there just wasn't much to the story
- the story tells a lot instead of showing
- their relationship was developed from page one
- descriptive writing is limited and basic


If want to read a light-hearted book with lots of musical/film references than check this out! This honestly just wasn't for me because I enjoy books that are more progressive story wise, but it was still an enjoyable read!

[Georgia Chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book felt like the warmest hug ever for my theatre kid self!🥹 As a theatre lover it was super nostalgic reading about theatre kids finding themselves and becoming brave enough to be exactly who they are, jazz hands and all👋 I only wish I could have read something like this when I was in high school when I struggled to fit in with the “normal” crowd. Each character has a different relationship and journey with theatre, self confidence, and queer identity, so there’s something for everyone here, and you can apply what they learn to any facet of life. But of course the Musical Theatre references are a major bonus for us thespians⭐️ Overall I think this is the perfect book for anyone looking for the green light to just be yourself and dream BIG BABY!!! P.S. if you know any young people just starting out in theatre, this is a perfect purchase💗

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is such a wholesome, cosy reading. I think, perfect for theater nerds.

I feel like some topics could have been treated more in depth and that's why it hasn't 4 stars. it kind of gave my heartstopper vibes sometimes, main characters are so cute and nice.

I've really enjoyed that it's not only about finding someone you like in a romantic way but also finding your people.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC !

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable UK YA novel with a fun musical theatre setting.

You can't help rooting for Olly, Tarun and their friends.

Covers topics from LGBTQ and ethnic representation to body image with a light touch.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

[ImperfectBookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely amazing! It ripped up my heart and put it back together many times. This is now one of my favorite books because it's beautifully written, relatable and just a brilliant story. I can't wait for others to read it and love it like I do 10/10 ❤

[A.K. Adler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fell very flat. The story is predictable and the characters one-dimensional. They never have to dig deep, so their success doesn't feel earned.