Showstopper

by Tom Ramsay

Joyous, feel-good, queer romance set in the world of musical theatre. Larger-than-life Olly is back at the UK’s most prestigious competition for teen performers to prove he has what it takes to be a leading man. After being sabotaged last year, he is determined to stand out ahead of his drama school auditions. Nervous newbie Tarun was nominated after stepping in from the chorus to a leading role. This is his week to explore if his secret hobby could be something more serious. But imposter-syndrome is real, and his dad's derisive comments threaten to derail him.   When the two boys are paired together, Olly can’t comprehend being with someone who doesn’t get his niche musical references, whilst Tarun thinks Olly is “way too much”. But they soon discover they’ve more in common than the opening number might reveal. Amidst the drama of rehearsals, could two boys be falling in love?  A life-affirming read for all those searching for their place and their people.

Genres: LGBT

352 pages, Paperback

Published May 6, 2026

About the author

Tom Ramsay has been telling stories since childhood, when he spent many hours in his Yorkshire bedroom building sets out of cardboard boxes and acting out full productions of musicals with a cast of Sylvanian Families. He’s since been allowed to turn this into a profession, working for a West End Producer as Literary Manager and Dramaturg looking after new work and writers of theatre for the company. This role has included working on an Olivier nominated play and helping to translate a Korean musical into English. Showstopper is his first novel.

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!

[Joby Blair · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

as a big theatre kid, i had a great time reading this book. some moments i did find a bit cheesy and naff, and at points it did feel a bit overboard with constant musical theatre references (even for someone who knew them all). i sometimes found olly’s character a bit one note, i think we could have delved a bit deeper into him rather than being a big theatre kid. i also found the ‘villain’ of the story to be a bit pantomime in his level of evil.

all that being said, i knew i was getting into a cheesy little queer theatre kid romance, and that is exactly what i got. i binged this in less than 24 hours (felt especially meta on the tube to rehearsals). i loved the relationships in this book, especially between olly and tarun. love some enemies to lovers and i’m glad past their initial misunderstanding of each other, the third act conflict wasn’t a classic miscommunication trope. the book felt like a love letter to theatre, which we don’t get many of, and i simply couldn’t put it down.

i do have to dock 0.25 stars for the most atrocious blocking of you will be found i’ve ever heard. if i ever see a production where you will be found ends in levels with someone crouching and someone on piggyback, i’ll have to pull a guy fawkes on that theatre

[Aleksander Swierski · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best written books I have read in a long time. The book focuses on two main characters. Both love musical theatre, but to different extents. One character is brand new to musical theatre, whereas the other is a seasoned professional. The author explores each character brilliantly. Each of the characters goes on a journey of self discovery that allows the reader to grow an emotional attachment to them. Each character is also a brilliant metaphor for today's youth. With both characters having flaws/insecurities which society today picks apart and makes fun off. The book also explores key LGBTQ+ themes of tolerance and societal rejection. Key topics are covered in such a realistic way that it is almost as if the author experienced it first hand. The book avoids a cliche ending that the reader is led to believe, but rather creates an ending that feels more authentic and allows the reader to imagine what the future could possibly hold for each character.

[bookishgee · 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💗

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olly has always loved musical theatre, he's been nominated for a Larry Award for a second year but this year is particularly important for his drama school applications. But he's been advised to play it straight so he doesn't restrict his opportunities. Tarun has also been nominated but he's new to the scene and feels like an imposter amongst the experts who have been living and breathing musical theatre their whole lives. Tarun's Dad doesn't approve of his interest and would be horrified if he found out Tarun is gay as well. But together, perhaps Olly and Tarun can negotiate the drama and give a truly authentic performance in the competition.

A heart-warming queer romance, perfect for fans of Heartstopper and Harry Trevaldwyn's 'Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King' series.

[Kaden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Showstopper is the perfect book for the Heartstopper generation, and for theater kids in general.
Olly and Tarun are both deeply relatable characters, even to myself. I especially saw much of myself in Tarun's anxiety, his self doubt that threatened to overwhelm his ambitions. I saw versions of my younger self in both these boys, in Olly being told to repress himself in order to thrive, in Tarun being torn between his joyful reality and his complicated personal life.

Such a heartwarming and wonderfully fun novel that I wish I had when I was an awkward yet theatrical teenager. I hope to see more from Tom Ramsay in future.

[Bridie Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Showstopper is a charming, feel-good read that perfectly captures the unique world of youth theatre. Tom Ramsay clearly knows the community inside out, from the friendships and backstage camaraderie to the excitement and nerves that come with performing.
At its heart, it's a warm story about finding your people, embracing who you are, and feeling like you belong. Light-hearted, uplifting, and packed with theatre references, it's a lovely celebration of the performing arts and the connections that grow from them.

[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.

[Abi Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really lovely book! It’s so nostalgic for a theatre kid to read and really encapsulates living in that world as a teen.
The character are great and so believable, even the minor characters were ones built to love too, I cared about them all!
Enjoyed every moment, a beautiful and fun read for anyone who has grown up on the world of theatre!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic YA novel capturing perfectly all the excitement and anxiety of being a teenager.
I'm definitely more of a Tarun, as some of the theatre references went over my head but this was done in a way without making me feel detached from the captivating world built around the Larry Awards.
Speaks beautifully on themes of body image, anxiety, LGBTQ and finding your place and your people.

[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.

[Charlotte Whiteing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute read

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this book was adorable! Right from the start I suspected I’d love this one, and I wasn’t let down. The two at the centre of this – Olly and Tarun – are written brilliantly. I think this will appeal to both the youth readings and young at hearts. I’m surprised it’s not been more popular and talked about more, with currently only 14 reviews on Goodreads. It deserves so, so much more!

Olly is returning for his second year at a UK competition for teen musical theatre performers, determined to prove himself after he was sabotaged the year before. For Olly, this is the most important event of his life, and can open doors for him as an actor – he lives and breathes musicals, and is excited to be back among his own people. Tarun couldn’t be more different – nominated for a role he wasn’t supposed to perform, he knows little about musicals and can’t imagine being so open about who he is. Thankfully, his crush – who he understudied for – is also at the competition, and Tarun hopes they can talk about the kiss they shared after the show.

Olly is baffled by Tarun’s lack of musical knowledge, while Tarun is overwhelmed by Olly’s outgoing, bubbly, theatre kid energy. It doesn’t help that they’re paired together as roommates, but as they get to know each other, they revise their judgements and realise they might just be exactly what the other needs.

The characters read as teenagers. I feel like it’s often important to point that out in YA – especially contemporary – as there are writers who seem to ignore how messy and judgemental and lacking experience teenagers really are! Both Olly and Tarun make snap judgements about it each other, and it’s only when they acknowledge they’ve done so and consciously make an effort that they’re able to move past it. They both make mistakes, but importantly they show each other compassion and care.

I loved the attention given to the friendships around them both, too, but also the sense of other lives happening outside our little MC bubble. You can feel the love and respect for the theatre through the pages, even as Ramsay highlights the difficulties and bigotry performers can still face. This was another thing I really appreciated: the adults who are coaching these kids mean well, but through their own specific lens, and absolutely don’t give the best advice or act in the best way. It adds a challenge for our characters, but also allows them more room to grow and work things out for themselves.

This was a fantastic book, and absolutely recommended from me for anyone who enjoys gay YA Romance.

[Daan Jansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The moment I saw Showstopper pop up on my screen, my brain did what I suspect many readers’ brains would do: Heartstopper? Not quite. But while the two are very different stories, this was still a cosy and entertaining read that made a few afternoon bus rides pass by in no time.

Set around a prestigious competition for young performers, the story follows two boys who couldn’t be more different as they navigate rehearsals, friendships, self-doubt, and all the chaos that comes with figuring out where you belong. One thing I did really enjoy was the focus on finding your people. As someone who loves a good found-family storyline, that aspect definitely resonated with me, of course! ✨

That said, I didn’t completely connect with everything. At times, the characters felt less realistic than I expected, and there were moments where I wanted the story to dig a bit deeper emotionally. The ingredients were all there, but sometimes it felt like it stopped just short of fully landing for me.

Still, if you’re looking for a light, theatre-filled YA romance with plenty of musical references, this might just be your cue to step into the spotlight.