Review: CSI: CRIME SCENE IMPROVISATION, Wilton’s Music Hall
Photo credit: Andrew AB
CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, the unrehearsed whodunnit, is a 60-minute show that collaborates with the audience to devise an evening of murder and intrigue, where we are invited to devise the plot and help solve the crime. Playing at the historic Wilton's Music Hall last night, the show is a quick-fire ride that both engages the audience and invites them to throw out suggestions to determine the name, occupation and murder weapon for the evenings performance, plus choose the murderer themselves.
The scenario we are presented with is fairly uncomplicated - the audience are asked to provide the starting points that the troupe can then use to concoct their evenings sketches, that all perfectly tie together and constantly refer to the brief.
For this evening, the suggestions were - the name 'Florence Butterworth' who was an underwater welder, murdered by a foot massager! Over the next hour, the performers devised suspects, motives and plot from a few simple ideas. Although everything was improvised, the ideas acted as an anchor that could constantly be used to steadily move the show forward. The cast of six did a tremendous job in providing plenty of quips that left the audience cackling away. The threadbare staging and basic lighting helped us to zone in on the jokes and the action that unfolded on the small stage, with limited distractions. What's great is the fact that the theme of a murder mystery keeps the action focused and in turn, helps the improvisers concentrate on sticking to the story as opposed to other shows which almost descend into chaos.
The night is guided by a detective, who conducts the proceedings whilst the rest of the company tell the tale. The players are fantastic and pure professionals, and it shows just how experienced they are. From quick laughs and call-backs to ridiculous characterisation, they effortlessly crafted a show off the cuff.
After countless scenes in which the performers delve deeper into the story and create a world that the the audience are fully invested in, we reach the climax of the evening. Each suspect is questioned by the spectators which is the highlight of the performance and showed the actors’ quickness and masterful crowd work. Simultaneously creating both a reason to murder, and an alibi, signals fantastic talent showcased by the comedians, and a great mark of skilled improvisers.
Thankfully, the hour-long running time is perfect as it helps keeps the show fresh and not overstaying its welcome. Improv shows are not everyones cup of tea, however, when the stars align and all performers are firing on all cylinders, there is a magic in the air that produces a joyfully entertaining evening. An intriguing element remains that, as stated at the end of the show, every show is different.
A night of guesswork, thrills and humour that's both concise and amusing. CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation takes an accessible format and adds a comedic twist. An hour well spent.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Springthorpe