Review: THE LEAGUE OF IMPROV, Underbelly Boulevard
The League of Improv is an improvised comedy show with elements of stand-up comedy. With no script, the cast take inspiration from the audience to create their characters and scenes spontaneously right in front of the audience.
The cast of seven are very in tune with one anotherother, knowing exactly when to let a scene continue and when to jump in or tap out and start a new one. Whilst some moments are not as funny as others, these moments are short lived due to the cast’s awareness of the night’s specific audience and ability to quickly understand what works for them. The cast is full of energy, taking on various characters with different accents, voices and physicality throughout the show. At later points in the show, they even bring some characters back to interact with the new ones. For most of the show, it is far from obvious that they are working without any sort of script or plan.
The format of the show involves inviting a special guest comedian (this time, Jake Lambert) and having them pick on unsuspecting audience members (usually those in the front row) for several minutes, to generate stimuli for the cast to work with. The special guest comedian comes on about 4-5 times throughout the show, when invited by the cast. Watching the cast improvise scenes around the audience’s experiences is a format which works very well. While it would be funny to watch them improvise scenes based on any random stimuli, bringing the audience into it adds another layer and makes the show feel much more intimate. It also guarantees a one-of-a-kind show, not to mention Jake Lambert himself is very funny during these audience interactions.
One example of the ideas generated by audience interaction is Jake Lambert identifying a member of the audience drinking yogurt and the strange conversation that followed – the cast then use this stimulus for a scene about a bachelor party with cans of yogurt made from breast milk instead of beer, and the events that unfold as a result. Another example is a conversation Jake Lambert had with an audience member about her teeth, which the cast then used to improvise a scene about a dentist who steals and collects people’s teeth. It really is a case of anything goes in this show.
The set consists of just four chairs and nothing else. Given the unknown and unpredictable nature of improvisation, this seems very appropriate – anything more would likely distract from the scenes created on stage.
Upon arriving at the venue, wheelchair access is via a lift up to the stalls, where there is also a disabled toilet. Staff scan our tickets and point us to the wheelchair area which has a great view of the stage.
The League of Improv is a hilarious night out that will leave your belly aching from all that laughter.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Kate Soper
For more information, click here