For those attending the Melbourne Comedy Festival, you have a few more days to see the exciting and enjoyable ‘The Improvised Superhero Movie’ presented by The Improv Pit at the UBQ Basement Blackbox Theatre.
This delightful 60 minute show is unique to every performance since it is Improv comedy. For those who are unfamiliar with the live entertainment form of Improv Comedy, each show is made up completely on the spot, unscripted, by an ensemble of improvisers. Styles of Improv can be theatrical or competitive in content, and are inspired by audience suggestions. Due to the spontaneous nature of Improv, each performance is a unique one off and will never been seen ‘exactly’ that same way again.
The Improv Pit seem to perform in a style pretty notorious to Chicago, and The Improvised Superhero Movie reflects this. (Often jamming on a ‘game’ or ‘tilt’ in the scene work.) The format of the Superhero Movie unfolds in a progression of scenes, very closely resembling a format called the Harold (But not an actual Harold). Ensemble members contributing frequently and frenetically to the story line as it evolves.
The night I attended saw a Robot superhero navigate Asimov’s three laws of robotics, while seeking to vanquish a Wiccan-Eugenic Villain with their murderous pet lizard in tow. All of this unfolded in the unsuspecting suburb of Nunawading.
Most players had characters and scenes in which they could shine, and while some parts of the story became chaotic with improvisers speaking over each other, the ensemble frequently course corrected and came back to the story line.
Anybody newer to watching Improv comedy, the success of a show generally rests on the ensembles ability to listen, share and ‘yes, and’ each other. The work is elevated when improvisers fully commit to character choices and use physicality to flesh out the imaginative environment they are performing within. This was all on consistent display at the show I saw with players negotiating any blocks they had inadvertently given another in their enthusiasm.
For those attending who are concerned about being called on to provide a suggestion for the show, do not fear. Only once was the audience asked to yell out suggestions for The Improvised Superhero Movie, that being the title of that evenings movie at the top of the show. This ensemble doesn’t seem to warm up the audience prior to asking for the suggestion, so here’s a tip!
Feel free to brainstorm some fun titles of a superhero movie, that don’t already exist, prior to the show. It will give you something to yell out when asked as an audience to do so. This will avoid inducing the common audience reaction of ‘panic’ to come up with something on the spot. Leave that to the ensemble!
‘The Improvised Superhero Movie’ – UBQ Basement Blackbox Theatre
Thursday 20th April – 7.30 pm
Friday 21st April – 7.30 pm
Saturday 22nd April – 7.30 pm
Sunday 23rd April – 7.30 pm
This review also appears in On The House
