If you love Improv then the Fringe has plenty to offer you and in the last few years, the standard of Improvised performance has risen with 2017 seeing the bar as high as it's ever been. Here are five of the best returning to Edinburgh this year.
Improv fan have a huge choice of top quality acts at this festival
Any Suggestions, Doctor? An Improvised Adventure in Space and Time
Quite possibly the geekiest show at the Fringe, an improvised episode of Doctor Who. A TV show that has endless narrative possibilities and a main character that changes their face every now and again is a perfect format for an improv show. It was well received in 2016 and 2017, including a four-star review from Broadway Baby.
Men With Coconuts
This show is a mix of interactive short-form games and is finished off with an improvised musical. Men With Coconuts are at the top of the Scottish improv scene, and their free Fringe show is a delight. You’re in safe hands with this team of performers as they’ve been bringing popular shows to the festival for the last few years, including an improvised James Bond movie.
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
There’s a perception of improv as people dressed in black, with two chairs and a disproportionate amount of confidence, given their surroundings. This show blows that out of the water with high production values and improvised musical numbers so good you won’t believe they’re made up. The improvised musical is impressive if done well and this team are the best at what they do.
Abandoman (AKA Rob Broderick) – Pirate Radio
Receiving a five-star review from Broadway Baby in 2017, Rob Broderick has been the darling of radio and TV shows that have come from the Fringe over the last few years and he consistently delivers top quality improvised rap and hiphop. His connection with the audience for the length of time he is on stage and his natural storytelling ability is what sets him apart, tickets for this show will be in high demand.
Murder She Didn't Write: The Improvised Murder Mystery
When this show first landed at the Fringe a couple of years ago it caused a stir and it has a remained a fan favourite. Everyone loves a good whodunit and there are so many tropes to play with in the murder mystery genre. Steve Hartil from the cast told Broadway Baby last year that one thing the audience loves about the show is the cast having fun with each other... and the fact that they’re in full costume.
