Performers: Hunter Johns, Lucy Conley and Gabriel Romero Day
Bad Boys of Improv offers absurdist long-form skit comedy based on audience suggestions, bringing a bad-boy energy to GCSE drama. The troupe takes inspiration from audience confessions asking for the worst thing they have done in the past two weeks. After getting a sordid confession of having accidentally made a cup of tea with sour milk, the show spirals from there.
Jordan Lewis, the group’s charismatic pianist, starts the night by building rapport with the audience through playful banter, chants, and jokes, setting a welcoming and lively tone. That, along with warm-up act Custard, primes the audience for laid-back hilarity.
The main show kicks into gear as the titular Bad Boys of Improv take the stage. The chemistry between performers Hunter Johns, Lucy Conley and Gabriel Romero Day is evident as they weave together stories that blend absurd humour, exaggerated characters, and sharp improvisation. Their ability to read each other’s cues is remarkable, with each performer’s timing on point as they build off one another’s energy. In a short 35 minutes, the performers are able to craft a stable narrative that is engaging throughout. This is only added to by the physical comedy which adds a visual layer that complements their sharp wit, so the audience is not only laughing at the absurdity of the scenes but also delighted by the performers’ physical commitment to the joke.
True to their premise, Bad Boys of Improv turn everyday audience anecdotes into tales that are as absurd as they are entertaining. Their mix of physical comedy, exaggerated storytelling, and a touch of irreverence keeps the audience laughing while embracing the unpredictability of live performance. Balancing silliness with sharp humour, Bad Boys of Improv deliver a memorable night of escapism that pushes the boundaries of traditional improvisational comedy. For fans of improv and newcomers alike, it’s a spirited, laughter-filled evening that highlights the joy of making it all up as you go.
Runs until 26 January 2025
