Turning chaos into comedy

The Bristol Improv Theatre are poised to end the year in true festive spirit, with a run of their brand new show Merry Christmas (Despite the Current Circumstances).

From its Clifton home – the first full-time theatre of its kind in the UK – the Bristol Improv Theatre regularly puts on shows and classes, as well as hosting improv troupes from around the country and beyond.

Beginning life in 2012 as the Bristol Improv Network, the organisation has grown from strength to strength in the intervening years, and is now at the forefront of the city’s flourishing improv scene.

Opportunities to perform are many and varied, from the monthly improv jam, to shows with the community theatre group the Unscripted Players. Improv classes are also accessible online, opening up the venue’s reach far beyond Bristol.

Screwball (2021) – photo: Lee Pullen

For those more comfortable watching rather than performing, people coming along to the Christmas show can expect an array of comedians, improvisers and musicians creating magic in the moment, all from audience suggestions.

But how exactly can you rehearse for an improvised show? Bristol 24/7 spoke to the show director Cat Murphy, to find out more.

What is improv all about, and what does it do for you personally?

“For me, improv is all about listening, having fun and being brave! The audience should come away feeling surprised and delighted. Our ethos at The Delight Collective is: ‘aim to delight and inspire each other onstage, and in doing so, delight and inspire your audience’ and we embed this into all the work we make.

“Personally, improv gives me freedom to play! In my experience as a teacher to improvisers and non-improvisers, the feedback is often that improv can also help improve their confidence and communication skills.”

Tell us what audiences can expect from the Christmas show.

Audiences can expect to be delighted by the amusing clash between the tongue-in-cheek audacity and wholesome earnestness of Merry Christmas (despite the current circumstances)! We’re going for a blend of post-apocalyptic chaos and cosy chocolate box comfort, with a fair share of improvised songs, stories and silliness.

Every year Christmas is only a stone’s throw away from disaster, and every year we do our level best to have the best Christmas, despite the circumstances! Imagine a gloriously festive mixture between The Play That Goes Wrong, The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and Whose Line is it Anyway!

Given that you can’t rehearse in the usual way, how are preparations going?

The best way to describe improv rehearsal is like training for a football match. You don’t know what exactly will happen on the night, but you can train specific skills so that you’re prepared for every eventuality. We play games, practise playing different characters and train in following what’s fun – similarly to how you might practise tackling, passing and scoring goals!

Should people come expecting to interact with the show? 

Audience participation is not mandatory! Those at the front are not in the splash zone as in stand up comedy, but we will be asking for audience suggestions and love when you get involved.

For those unfamiliar with improv, who might we want to bring along on the night?

The show is rated PG13, but with some apocalyptic themes which younger viewers might find scary! If you love Christmas and laughing, you’ll fit right in.

How the BIT stole Christmas (2019) – photo: Lee Pullen

Merry Christmas (Despite the Current Circumstances) is at the Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul’s Rd, Bristol, BS8 1LP December 10-12 and 17-22, at 8pm. There will be a socially distanced performance on December 19. Tickets are available from www.improvtheatre.co.uk.

Main photo: Lee Pullen

Read more: Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2021

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