Much like Prometheus having his liver eaten every day for all eternity for bringing fire to the mortals, Cambridge Improv Factory is the gift that keeps on giving. The group, known for their consistently high quality improv shows, are back with their second run of Olympus Unscripted, this time on the main stage at the ADC Theatre in Cambridge. Sorry, I mean Ancient Greece. Sorry, I mean down a well in Ancient Greece with the god Demeter and a harp maker, who is trying to redesign bees in exchange for a sentient harp that only plays Wonderwall.
It goes without saying that improv is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s improvised. So unfortunately for those looking forward to the mythical story described above, that ship has sailed. However, I can promise you that these skilled comedy actors will definitely be able to think of something equally cursed for tonight and tomorrow’s shows. With your help, of course.
Typically improv shows don’t have much of a set, however the benefit of a large venue and the same general location every night affords some space for visual world building. The set is perfectly in keeping with the theme, with a rather lovely backdrop of Mount Olympus, some Greek-looking plinths for the actors to sit on, and a suspicious patch of grass at the front of the stage for lounging, crawling, or sneaky sneaking around on. The space allows for lots of visual gags, with a temple at the back of the stage for communicating with the Gods (or spiders). The Trojan horse is unfortunately imaginary. Lighting designer Dominic Plunkett and sound designer Alan Morgen take on the tasks akin to the Labors of Heracles. As some of you may know, lighting and sound states are usually preprogrammed into a queue that gets stepped through during a show. For a show with no predetermined plot this is all done manually on the fly. No small feat so medals must go to the technical team for that one.
Our cast this week is: David McHardy, Alex, Wilber, Helena Forrow, Hugh Clark, Jack Sullivan, Jonathan Rosten, Bonnie Holmes and Kate Weedy. It would be unfair to pick out any individual performance from this group of accomplished improvisers. There is not a weak link among them. The interpretations of the prompts from the audience were confidently acted out, including even some extra prompts that weren’t part of the officially chosen set. Characterisations are bold and consistent. Physicality is a particular highlight. You want a nonclops? (A cyclops with 9 eyes) You got it. Various full cast scenes scattered throughout add an element of chaos to the usual two person recipe of improv games, giving this show the Midas Touch. The cast have an almost hive-mind quality to them. Transitions between scenes are slick, comedic interludes are perfectly timed, and the actors can read each other like books. These are the marks of a group with experience, respect for each other, and an obvious love of comedy. Smash cut to Clark laughing his head off in the background of every scene.
If you’re craving another Horrible Histories episode on the Groovy Greeks, or just love improv comedy. This show is for you. There’s still time to open Pandora’s Box, so grab your tickets and find out what’s inside this time. Ancient Greek mythology knowledge not required or included. ATOL protected.
