A Very Merry Scriptless 2010
The Forge at The Court Theatre, Christchurch
02/12/2010 - 18/12/2010
Production Details
The Court Jesters bring family-friendly interactive comedy back to The Forge with A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS, entering its fifth season on December 2nd. This year sees the popular festively-themed show “return to its SCARED SCRIPTLESS roots,” according to Artistic Director Ross Gumbley.
Improvisers Ben Allan, Brendon Bennetts, Jeff Clark and Vanessa Wells will be joined by musician Luke Di Somma to present a variety of scenes, songs and stories with a Christmas theme and geared towards an all-ages audience. The twist is that none of the material is rehearsed and will be based on audience suggestions each night.
“We’re welcoming people who may have never seen improvisation before,” says Gumbley, “so A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS’ metaphorical stocking is stuffed with plenty of audience participation and interaction – the show is made by the audience as much as the performers.”
With all tickets only $15 and content suitable for all ages A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS has become a favourite for family audiences looking for affordable entertainment in the holiday season – “and because it’s a unique show every time we’ve had people come to several performances with different friends or family members” says Gumbley.
This year the Court Jesters are setting their show in Santa’s grotto – meaning audiences can expect to encounter elves, reindeer and possibly even Kris Kringle himself.
A VERY MERRY SCRIPTLESS
with The Court Jesters
Venue: The Forge at The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Blvd, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Dates: December 2 – 18 (Thursday – Saturday)
Times: All shows 8pm
Tickets: All tickets $15
Bookings: The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Blvd, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Ph: 963 0870 or online at www.courttheatre.org.nz (booking fee may apply)
CAST:
Ben Allan
Brendon Bennetts
Jeff Clark
Vanessa Wells
Musician: Luke DI Somma
Lighting & Sound Operator/Stage Manager: Josh Majo
Infectious high risk frivolity
Review by Lindsay Clark 03rd Dec 2010
There can be no better season for improvised theatre than the weeks before Christmas, when spontaneous good cheer needs no other cue than the set up that we are all together in a suitably cosy place, complete with a bit of lighting, bling and live music, to underscore invention as it capers from one mad challenge to the next.
In fact the format of this variation on The Court Jesters’ regular approach (if indeed anything can ever be regular in this wildly interactive, impromptu business) is strengthened by the universal festive theme.
The audience has already filled out its memos to Santa, with wishes and memories, the naughty and the nice, so that as they are drawn out of his stocking and read aloud, an appropriate scene can be underway in very short order. The contrived bonhomie of some improvisation is neatly avoided, without losing any of the fun the audience has in being part of the show.
The Court Jesters draw on a pool of experienced talent able to ride out the occasional doughy bits in this Christmassy confection with such candour and spirit that they are applauded for bravery and enterprise. Mostly however they impress through quick witted engagement with demanding challenges, using Theatresports games we have met before, but of course never just like this and never the same again.
Questions the audience has recorded for Santa are dealt with through four players responding in one voice, or they shape a poem in answer to a Christmas wish. There is an endowment scene (very clever this one) as well as song and a children’s story book inspired by Christmas memories. Then there are the scenes using an audience member as part of the team, supplying his arms from behind Santa’s back as he struggles to wrap unlikely presents, or moving the puppet like actors in a demanding physical context.
The cast is a strong one: Brendan Bennetts, Jeff Clark, Vanessa Wells and Ben Allan; ably supported by Luke di Somma’s keyboard skills and Josh Major in the lighting box.
Their high risk frivolity is infectious and simply fun.
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