Last Actor Standing is a recurring comedy improv game show where four actors compete to become the Greatest Actor Of All Time. Created by Lost Theatre Company, the show offers a completely different selection of guests and games every week, guaranteed to delight, entertain and sometimes shock audience members. Think “Who’s Line Is It Anyway” paired with “Taskmaster”, grounded deeply on the Melbourne independent theatre scene.
This Friday I had the pleasure of venturing into Club Voltaire to watch Joshua Bruce, Lilian Hudson, Jacob Kuek and emergency cover Ana Swadling battle through three rounds of on the spot comedy acting, chasing the crown awarded to the Greatest Actor Of All Time. From improvised plays and villainous plots to company catchphrases and long forgotten technology, these actors took a solid swing at everything that was thrown at them. All actors put on a good show (and congratulations to the recently crowned Lilian Hudson) but unfortunately I cannot recommend you go and see them (though highlights are likely to get posted on instagram), because every Last Actor Standing show boasts a completely new cast of Melbourne Theatre makers. This week, the cast featured actors from Lost Theatre Co.’s upcoming performance of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind (a clever bit of promotion, if ever I saw it) but other weeks, the show has welcomed improvisers, actors and musicians from a wide range of beloved Melbourne theatre productions.
I have been lucky enough to see a few Last Actor Standing shows and credit must be given to reoccurring hosts and co creators of the show Noah Sargent and Jay Watts who, along with writers Pip Wiseman and Alex Watts, repeatedly come up with new ways to test (and torture their actors) in a format that remains consistent with shows brand without becoming repetitive and allowing for a recurring audience. Noah and Jay have stated that their intention with Last Actor Standing was not only to create a show that would entertain audiences, but also a show that would provide connections for Melbourne artists and promotional opportunities for independent theatre. In doing so, they have created a vibrant network of young creatives who are defining the next generation of independent performing arts in Melbourne. If you want the opportunity to experience a future pillar of the Melbourne independent theatre scene at its base level, their Last Actor Standing Championship round (featuring all the winners from this season), is fast approaching. I highly recommend it as an entertaining way to spend a Friday night.
To book tickets to Last Actor Standing, please visit https://www.losttheatreco.com/.
