GRAB BAG
06/10/2016 - 06/10/2016
Production Details
Anything could happen as improvisors (and excitable audience members) throw their names in the GrabBag to be drawn at random, summoned to the stage, and paired and trio-ed with absolutely anyone. Hardened pros take the stage with eager rookies, mixing the many flavours of improv in any and every direction.
Across this year’s New Zealand Improv Festival every cast, crew, and production will come together in unique combinations, creating spontaneous comedy and theatre every single night. With a range of shows and directors, and players from all around New Zealand (and the world!) you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat every time.
BATS Theatre1 Kent Terrace, Wellington
Thursday, October 6, 2016
11:00pm
BOOKING INFORMATION
$18 Full / $15 Conc / $14 Groups 6+
Three show pass $39 / Late shows $10
All performances and workshops at BATS Theatre, 1 Kent Tce
Book now at www.bats.co.nz
Theatre , Improv ,
Calm and entertaining riffing
Review by Patrick Davies 08th Oct 2016
Another show in the run of one-off affairs. This time Kathryn and Brendan are our wonderful MCs walking us through the late evening. Their banter is light and their control absolute. At the top of the evening we are invited to put our names into the grab bag and, as the evening progresses, names are taken out and those players come onto the stage to perform scenes which are suggested by the MCs or open scenes begun from an ask for.
This is a great and risky format because you never know when you’ll be called up and who you are working with. Early on Darren is introduced as our muso and new ‘Robbie Ellis’ (due to his similar looks – he could be Robbie’s younger brother). Darren provides some great scene work, underscoring games and being en pointe during a Silent Scene onboard a fishing vessel, though his playing during players’ explanations make it difficult for us to hear what is being asked for at times.
Like any improv show there’s no point in giving a rundown of scenes, but the show does feature the current company of players doing what they do best. And there’s a very relaxed feel to players calmly and entertainingly riffing with each other. I’d be interested to know if anyone not directly involved in the Festival put their names in the bag.
I do feel some of the challenges set them could be more risky as the success of the evening develops, but that is a little quibble. There are only a couple of days left* in the festival and it’s well worth getting a ticket to any show – you won’t be disappointed.
*[Just one day now. Sorry but this review is from Thursday night and got lost in cyberspace – ED]
Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer
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