Life Is Full Of . is a set of thirty very short sketches. Sheets of pages with the numbers 1 to 30 are hung at the back of the stage. A member of the audience calls out a number, that number is torn down and the sketch relating to that number performed. This is a bit like ordering a take-away meal by numbers and the programme even lists the sketches under Menu.The length of each sketch varies from one to four minutes and the number of actors from one to about six. Some are very basic, such as Airplane, which is really just somebody making a paper plane, while others, such as Haunted House, are quite complicated and tell a complete (if somewhat surreal) story.As the order of the sketches is chosen by the audience, it can be reasonably claimed that each performance is unique. This probably puts some additional strain on the performers, but also adds freshness to the production. Every time a new number is called the cast race around, rearranging the set and preparing the next performers. To work best, this kind of production really requires an audience that is prepared to get involved. As it is part of the American High Schools Theatre Festival, it is almost guaranteed that there will always be an audience of young American students there who will be very happy to join in fully. That was certainly the case for the performance that I saw.Overall, a very good production with a set of performers who are obviously enjoying themselves.
