Murder Most Unexpected

Cambridge Improv Factory

After a sell out run last year, the Cambridge Improv Factory are back at the ADC with Murder Most Unexpected: an Agatha Christie style murder mystery! The twist? Even the actors don’t know who did it. Or who died, for that matter. Yes, that’s right. Murder Most Unexpected is a completely improvised show where you, yes you the audience, decide everything. 

Now. “How would you review an improv show?” I hear you ask. The setting, characters, and plot are completely different each night so the show that I’ve seen will not be the show that you see. With that in mind I’ll be focusing on interpretation of the suggestions from the audience, characterisation, and improvisation technique. 

Murder Most Unexpected has a very strong cast. Suggestions are taken from the audience at appropriate times by shout-voting, making the best of the audience layout at the ADC, which are then played before your eyes to the extreme. Guided by director David McHardy as the detective Chris Agathie (definitely not a reference to a particular murder mystery author), the group dart in and out of paired scenes to drive the story forward with whatever idea they have in their head at the time. The “flashback” framework works particularly well; at the whim of other cast members or the director a blasé throwaway line can quickly become an uproarious scene to the delight of the audience. Mine were disproportionately lion themed. Production is dynamic, with sound and lighting changed on the fly to fit the scene playing in front of them. The actors commit wholeheartedly to suggestions with impressive speed and without any visible conferring, using various costumes and furniture dotted around the stage to showcase their improv skills.

Characterisation from the cast is clear and well defined from the get-go. Each character is articulated with specificity through physicality, vocal expression, and unambiguous character traits while still leaning into the ridiculousness of the situations their characters find themselves in. Every actor makes big choices. A standout in this aspect is Kate Weedy, who goes big in pretty much every aspect, delivering a gut-busting performance. While big choices are a must in improv, not all big choices need to be BIG. Bonnie Holmes is a master at subtlety, lulling you into a false sense of security with an unassuming character and then suddenly she catches you off guard with an outrageous one-liner guaranteed to make you spit out your drink with laughter. Every single person put their soul into their chosen character, creating natural conflict and games with ease. Jonatan Rostén and Jack Sullivan are experts at this: playing up the conflict without leaving the other with nowhere to go while continuing to escalate, and escalate, and escalate. Helena Forrow and Kate Madison make a formidable duo. Expressive, playful, and bold, they are a delight to watch. McHardy as the director conducts the show from the stage with a keen eye, making sure the pace is maintained and throwing in the proverbial spanner where appropriate to spice things up. He is completely in his element in this role. All this being said, the cast may vary from night to night but don’t let that put you off.

In the spirit of improvisation, I’ll let the readers decide how this review is going to conclude. 

Murder Most Unexpected is:

A) An exceedingly entertaining show that breathes life into the murder mystery genre

B) A masterclass in improvisational comedy in a large theatre space

C) A memorable showcase of immensely talented local improv actors

D) All of the above

You decide!