LCC news 02/07
The show has been running for over twenty years, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with the original member Mike Myers, bringing an idea which has been popular stateside to Britain, before departing to Beverley Hills on the back of its success, to star in a certain, Wayne's World.
As everybody took there seats, it seemed many in the back rows were, like myself, new to live improvised comedy. Between mouthfuls of very reasonably priced bar food (Goujons and chips £5.50) I heard people whispering to the first timers, "Think...Whose line is it anyway..but...more.......I don't know...British?"
The smokey, jovial non-intimidating atmosphere was further endorsed by seeing all the comedians drinking and chatting with the audience before the show. All this contributed to the comedy beginning at a frantic pace.
The first comedian to take the stage was the energetic Andy Smart, with his gold jewellery and Hawaiian shirt; he is twice as quick as your funniest uncle.
He quickly explained the proceedings and asked for the audience to shout out strange objects.
"Tampons!?!....You must be great at parties," the first roar rippling through the audience.
This became the backdrop as the show continued with relentless pace.
Paul Merton certainly lived up to expectations. With hair slightly wilder that the Have I Got News for You studio allows, he looked in his element in this intimate environment. He quickly won the first round of "improv" , a game where they created a story by taking it in turns to say a few words when nominated.
Josie Lawrence, of fame from Whose Line is it Anyway?, was fantastic and added another dimension of comedy with her presence. The audience in tears as she imitated a North Korean lady explaining how nuclear warheads are constructed, with Paul playing the role of her translator.
Jim Sweeney was a pleasure to listen to, with an awe inspiring wit and an unusual warmth. Richard Vranch was fantastic on the piano, and his turn of phrase was deadly. Along with Andy Smart, Lee Simpson was a comedian I hadn't heard of prior to the show, but he left a lasting impression.
It was clear early on in the performance that the success of the night also depends on the role played by the audience. This slightly nervous energy, which I had been apprehensive of before we arrived, only adds to the enjoyment. You find your even more ready to laugh due to the slight tension created by improvised comedy. You enjoy the relief that the joke has worked, which makes you laugh even harder.
The show exceeded even my highest expectations. The energy, talent, combination of personalities and cosy environment, created the perfect lift, before the week had begun. For some winter sun in the capital, I'd certainly recommend the Comedy Store Players.
Wednesday & Sunday £15 (NUS £10)
No comments:
Post a Comment