It was with a hint of apprehension that I attended Improv Jam at the Shoebox Theatre last Friday. I should perhaps clarify: Improv Jam isn’t one of those types of ‘innovative’ fruit preserves that we’ll be exporting to the French post-Brexit. It was the first of a monthly series of improvisation nights at the Shoebox led by Imogen Palmer, lead instructor at the Bristol Improv Theatre. Open to all experiences and abilities. Or, indeed, if performing isn’t your thing you can come along and watch with a stiff drink.
I was planning to perform, but a stiff drink was very much required. I was battling a few nerves. I hadn’t done Improv in front of an audience since Brit Pop was a thing. There was a warm-up before the audience arrived, so I at least had a chance to meet the other players. Some of them were graduates of the Shoebox’s Improv course (next one starting on 4th Feb). Others were members of Swinprov, Swindon’s own Improvisation Society. And there were even a few brave souls who’d turned up to simply have a go.
Imogen warmed us up (careful now, I mean in the Improv sense) and set out the ground rules: firstly, we were to respect each other’s personal space. Fair enough. Secondly, we could time-out the skit if things were lurching into a topic and/or area that anyone was uncomfortable with. Very sensible; especially with me there. And thirdly, we should celebrate if things went wrong. Give ourselves permission to fail, as it were. Good idea.
At 7.30pm, fully warmed up and in front of a very decent-sized audience, we started with Imogen as compere and Improv wrangler. The evening comprised of a series of improvisational games for people to volunteer to play. Very similar to ‘Whose Line is it Anyway” if you remember that. If you don’t remember it than this will be unhelpful. In which case: you’re welcome.
And it was rather good fun. A few glasses of red wine and improvisational muscle memory carried me through the night. The participants, other than me, were of a generally high standard and the air was soon thick with laughter. My favourite moment was probably when I found myself providing a David Attenborough-style commentary to the activities of a group of sexually adventurous slugs. How that didn’t get timed-out I have no idea. I blame the drink.
The evening flew by and, come the end, I found myself breathless and sweaty, but elated. It had been a riotous night of blessed silliness and invention. Thanks to Imogen for taking take of us. Well done to everyone who turned up to perform. And thanks to the Shoebox for giving me a forum to show off in.
The Next Improv Jam will be at the Shoebox on Friday 27th March.
Also, The Delight Collective – in Association with The Bristol Improv Theatre – present The Bish Bosh Bash on Friday 28th February. See the Shoebox website for details.
