As the improv festival draws to a close BATS is filled with buzzing improvisers chatting away at the tops of their voices – proving, if anyone was in any doubt, that they can make plenty of noise. This is further displayed in Choral Grief, bringing together a twenty plus cast from around the festival into a motley community choir.

Led by Greg Ellis as MC-cum-conductor and supported by Tane Upjohn-Beatson on piano, the group join together in improvised song. Ellis calls for some ask-fors from the audience, which are the inspiration for the stories behind what has brought these lost souls to the Te Aro Choir, and how the love of group singing has offered a kind of salvation. 

We see a young plumber taking over the reins of the business and deciding to sing against the wishes of his large Scottish family.  We see a recent divorcée finding a new chance for happiness.  We meet an Afghani refugee family learning to make connections in their newfound homeland. Finally we hear a song about monkeys – no explanations are deemed necessary.

While the scene work is not great – taking too long to get going and struggling to find a shape – the improvised singing is satisfying, and the conducting and accompaniment work well. When the music gets into its stride it is very impressive.

The format is interesting, and has a wide scope.  You could tighten it down with a smaller crew and really push the story and character in the scenes; at this large scale it has a lot of appeal as part of a festival atmosphere, especially playing to an audience chiefly made up of improvisers and improv festival regulars. 

I look forward to seeing the format developed. I will be intrigued to see how Ellis can work in more complex choral techniques; I’d like to see greater distinction between the different vocal sections, for instance, and for the group to experiment with additional ways of building a song. 

A fun show, helping to end the festival on a high note.

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