Alberto Martinez: Showstopper
Take a tour round Alberto's iconic limited edition - Showstopper
It’s opening night. The stage is set as the curtain rises on Alberto Martinez’s masterpiece, SHOWSTOPPER.
As the lights come up we find ourselves transported to Shaftesbury Avenue in London’s West End. Characters from theatreland emerge to perform together for one night only! Alberto’s unique, bold style shines through the picture as recognisable images are re-imagined with influences of his Cuban upbringing.
The car from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is now a Cuban Chevrolet with butterfly wings and Aladdin’s magic lamp is a repurposed light bulb transformed with kerosene and a wick. The nuns from Sister Act are created from childrens’ toys and a floating green candle blows bubbles into the sky.
Alberto Martinez invites you to join him on stage in this bold and magical theatrical masterpiece, ‘Showstopper’.
Welcome to the West End
Meet the Cast
Step into the electric, high-contrast night of London’s iconic theatre district. In Showstopper, Alberto Martinez doesn't just paint a street scene—he constructs a living stage where the greatest stories ever told in British theatre collide.
Look closely at the canvas before you. The air is thick with anticipation, the neon signs glow with surreal intensity, and the entire street has been transformed into an open-air performance. Every corner of this bustling pavement holds a secret, a pun, or a brilliant theatrical allegory waiting to be uncovered.
The Ultimate West End Checklist
Use this field guide to decode the canvas. Can you spot every character, prop, and hidden nod Alberto has woven into the scene?
In the Sky & Architecture
- The Flying Umbrella & Broom – A whimsical nod to Mary Poppins soaring high above the London rooftops.
- Floating Fish & Bubbles – Alberto’s signature surreal touches, cutting through the night sky to bring a sense of dreamlike wonder to the city.
- The Cat on the Ledge – A feline observer keeping watch from the safety of the architecture, representing the long-running musical Cats.
- The Trocadero & Tocororo Signs – Brilliant neon landmarks anchoring the piece in the heart of London’s historic entertainment hub while weaving in personal nods to heritage.
On the Left (The Storefronts & Signs)
On the Left (The Storefronts & Signs)- The Blue Kinky Boots – The unmistakably vibrant, thigh-high neon boots hanging proudly as a tribute to Kinky Boots.
- The Golden Ticket – Shining brightly on a lower sign, inviting you into the magical world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
- The Floating Lit Candle – A solitary green candle burning bright against the dark bricks.
- The Vintage Armchair & Bowler Hat – Sitting quietly on the pavement, evoking the classic, minimalist drama of Waiting for Godot.
- The Lego Minifigures – Tucked playfully near the street level, a witty modern nod to The Lego Movie or local London exhibitions.
- The Glowing Lightbulb & Flask – Spilling a mysterious red potion out onto the very corner of the street.
In the Center Street
In the Center Street- Route 14 Bus – The classic double-decker London bus slicing through the center of the frame, bound for the heart of the action.
- The Three Uniformed Figures – Standing in precise formation right in the path of the oncoming traffic, commandingly holding the center stage.
- The Classic Blue American Cruiser – A stunning, retro tail-finned car parked alongside the curb, adding a touch of mid-century rock-and-roll drama.
- The Green Mechanical Toy – Scurrying across the tarmac in the lower left corner.
On the Right (The Phone Box & Foreground)
On the Right (The Phone Box & Foreground)- The Roaring Lion – The Lion King itself, stepping boldly out onto the pavement past a classic British red telephone box.
- The Phantom's Mask – A haunting white mask drifting through the air, paying homage to the enduring magic of The Phantom of the Opera.
- The Red-Haired Girl in Blue – Standing defiantly in the immediate foreground, a striking character representing the fierce spirit of Matilda.
- The Witch’s Broom & Top Hat – Resting right against the building facade, a subtle nod to the magical worlds of Wicked and classic stage magic.
Bringing the Drama Home
Bringing the Drama HomeEvery line, color, and hidden reference in Showstopper was crafted to celebrate the spectacular energy of live performance. A piece this rich in storytelling doesn't just sit on a wall—it starts a conversation every time you look at it.
Showstopper is available to collectors as an exclusive limited edition luxury canvas on board or paper print.
Simply mention the code SHOWSTOPPER to Fiona or any member of the gallery team right now to discuss how to bring this theatrical masterpiece into your home.
