It’s so long since I wore my reviewer’s hat to BATS that I almost don’t recognise Blue the barman and am reprimanded by Badeos the usher for fumbling to find my ticket to this second show in this year’s NZ Improv Festival: Magic Schools, Sonic Tools and Werewolves.

Once seated in the Dome, however, my bemusement turns to amusement as ten improvisers take the stage. Captained, or is that spellbound, by a red cloaked archwizard of sorts, their task is to take us on a journey to mundane universes – such as our own, suggests their leader drily. 

The mediaeval magic suggested by the title is borne out by costume, demeanour and, best of all, performance themes. These are selected by the archwizard from a large tome and tossed in the direction of two or more improvisers. A demon is summoned by a warlock and levels of fiendishness are discussed. Accountants are the worst of the damned and suffer a drubbing throughout the evening. A lone player must offer their own eulogy and advises us to “enjoy the misery of your immortality.” 

An apologetic wizard converting to Christianity and confronted by a disappointed colleague is especially delightful. “You’ve got the best lightning bolts, but I’ve found something better.” And a time traveller meets an immortal – for the tenth time – in Courtenay Place.

It’s for the archwizard to call time and bring the acts to a close. This he does by intoning, “As it is written,” to which we chant back, “It is told.”

This evening’s performance is directed by Malcolm Morrison, keyboarding is by Ben Kelly and Bethany Miller is lights operator. And if tonight’s anything to go by, the rest of the week will showcase improvisation at its entertaining and intriguing best. 

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