Created by: Leamprov Reviewer: Lela Tredwell This show is made up of fast-paced improv games. Much of the laughter is created from the ludicrous scenarios and silly structures. Games include activities such as having to play out a scene in shorter and shorter time frames, a version of chain charades and a game where a performer guesses his own excuse for arriving late to work… He trod in dog faeces and travelled the distance in a cold air balloon. The group hail from Leamington Spa and all seem to enjoy this short form style of improv, throwing themselves in to…
Author: The Reviews Hub - Brighton
Created by: Michelle Reviewer: Lela Tredwell A joyful improvised performance served up with plenty of laughs. This delightful show takes audience suggestions and turns them into playful shenanigans in the fictional Hotel Michelle. All made up on the spot, you can expect whimsy, japes and downright hilarity in this feel good improvised feast. A happy bunch, the cast visibly delight in each other’s company, as they create spontaneous tales within the surreal world of hospitality. As soon as the show starts, we are enthusiastically met with a high standard of improvisation. The exchange between two people stuck down a well…
By: Ham Theatre Writer: Linsay Oliver Director: Linsay Oliver Reviewer: Lela Tredwell A dark piece of theatre which preaches the dangers of speeding. Writing a show with a heavy moral message based on preaching and shame is probably always going to be a challenging task. Largely, the show is preoccupied with a collection of stereotyped characters in a speed awareness group, but every now and again we are transported to the evangelical sermon of a sequin-sporting preacher, wearing a large Mercedes Benz logo pendant,and preaching the Highway Code. In the group scenes the majority of the time is spent with…
By: Leanne Shorley Reviewer: Simon Topping This one woman show about intimacy and love, with a side order of sex toys, brings joy and laughter to an enthusiastic audience at the Caxton Arms. Leanne Shorley is not sure about love. What is love and why is it tricky? Modern dating is hard, rife with pitfalls and disappointments. Her own experiences of love and relationships have often been difficult. In this engaging and funny hour Shorley examines her own life around these issues in an offbeat, brutally honest, yet endearing, way. Shorley is a commanding presence on stage; both self…
By: Tiny Dynamite Reviewer: Simon Topping This beautifully stylistic and funny improv comedy show lovingly pastiches Wes Anderson movies to the delight of the audience gathered. To anyone familiar with Wes Anderson and his back catalogue of eccentric and humorous films Yes Anderson will be a real treat. The action starts in a nondescript European town where a dusty old post office is about to close. The clerk thumbs through a mountain of telegrams, never sent, and reminisces. The “telegrams” are cards filled in by the audience before the show about Wes Anderson style characters and their stories, to enable…
By: Ryan Lane Reviewer: Simon Topping This one man multiple character comedy presents funny vignettes plucked from the performer’s childhood in this engaging piece, which has a lot of potential. In mystical Wales an ethereal character bids us to seek a man for her; A man with legs and arms like tree trunks, a man who will guard over Wales while she holidays in Swansea. This is the surreal start to Ryan Lane’s funny piece based on his complex relationship with his hometown and the people within it, which provides plenty of crowd interaction and mischievous pixie-like prodding in…
By: The Maydays Reviewer: Lela Tredwell This extraordinary improvised performance has to be seen to be believed. The Maydays co-create a unique piece of musical theatre in the style of gothic horror with dark humour and grim glee. They do this exceptional feat in front of the audience’s very eyes based on a viewer’s volunteered suggestion of a grandparent’s profession. ‘Jeweller’ is the occupation that inspires this particular night’s show and the exceptionally talented cast intuitively set to play, creating a rich narrative, complete with sensational improvised musical numbers. With what is a soundtrack to die for – and, as…
Performers: Westdal and Hayward, 2Spoons improv and Lachlan Werner Reviewer: Lela Tredwell Outstanding alternative comedy showcase attracts top acts. Charming, eccentric host Simon Topping has created a line-up to write home about, in this variety comedy show. The event succeeds in showcasing the best acts on the comedy circuit that are offering something different from traditional stand up. He might refer to himself as an ‘idiot’ but Topping is no fool in bringing together the best of the Fringe. Simon Topping hosts each show with his very funny and gently nostalgic antics. He combines physical comedy, clowning and authenticity in…