An evening of classic Impro performed by veterans of their field, a superb team of exuberant players. An engaging and thoroughly enjoyable show.
I had not been to the Buxton Opera House in many years and I had forgotten just how much Victorian splendour had been lovingly crafted into this gem of a building, indeed part of Merton's opening introduction to the audience he mentioned how they 'loved playing at this beautiful theatre'. The Ornate and gold embellished interior walls and ceilings are jaw dropping as are the stained glass windows throughout the interior and exterior of the building. I'm longing to go back, just to visit the building.
'Paul Merton's Impro Chums' has been performed at the Edinburgh Fringe since 2008 and toured nationally, Merton and chums; Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton were a great ensemble and seemed to really enjoy playing together.
The performance ran for around two hours in total with a twenty minute interval, the first half comprising of mainly short form games and the second half finishing on an epic long form Shakespeare inspired game named 'Two Gentlemen of Buxton' in homage to the host town. I loved the Shakespearian finale, the improvisers really excelled in performing mock Elizabethan style theatre and Merton stayed true to his dour role and provided the heroic and most comedic character to the delight of the audience, the evening's lead up to this moment was most effective.
The games played are classics in the impro world and with over ten years of playing together it is unimaginable how they still bring a spontaneity to each scene. The games were known to the players and had a rehearsed structure, but the theme/content of the games was given by suggestions from the audience. The chums were experts at asking around the whole auditorium and efficiently picking out suggestions that were sensible and inspired the actors. They were so effective at this I found myself giving a suggestion from the top of my head 'Angel Falls' as a location that inspired a comedic short scene about fractious couples and spume.
The energy between performers and audience is one of my favourite things at an impro show, like cabaret it is completely immersive. In mainstream theatre there is a fourth wall and you settle back in your seat as a voyeur to the spectacle, where as in improv the audience are shouting out suggestions, they are responsible for the content of what they are about to see, excited conferring with the person next to you is acceptable. The atmosphere is unlike any other style of theatre.
Merton is a huge British celebrity with an expansive comedy career in television, radio and theatre. I had expected him to stand out as a star player or to hog the spotlight, but this was not the case, he was a very supportive wonderful team player and was completely involved with listening to his scene partners and asking questions to develop scenes. The entire cast were marvellous and inspiring. If you haven't seen an Impro show before I highly recommend starting with Paul Merton's Impo Chums the definite staple of British improvisation.
Reviewer - Kerry Ely
on - 3/6/19
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