How do you review a performance that hasn’t ended yet? In fact, as I am typing this, the 50-hour Improvathon isn’t even halfway through. Divided into two-hour slots, performers from the London Jam and friends take on this incredible challenge; “Do you think you’ll sleep here?” one asks. “Yeah, it’s cheaper than a hotel in London…”
Described as ‘an epic odyssey of romance, mystery and adventure’ the action takes place on the Starship Xanadu, where Captain Kim Kardashian leads her motley crew through space to provide entertainment to the planets unknown. As I witnessed the first two hours of the marathon, we were introduced to all the characters. Imagine a very odd version of the 80’s Loveboat: all the characters, from the crew to the passengers, have a lot of potential for development.
Throughout the 90-minute performances, the MC sets the scene: he calls up the characters, gives them a setting and a topic. It is a tribute to the talent on stage that this improvisation goes so smoothly that it looks scripted. All of the actors have a great sense of humour and even better timing. All actors are quick with a line and respectful of each other’s choices on stage; when an idea is offered everyone runs with it.
Some scenes which cropped up (the sex-robots come to mind) were a little awkward. (There will be a family-friendly session on Sunday morning 11am-1pm.) Yet enthusiasm was definitely there last night. On-going jokes started to grow, which I imagine will be even more hilarious after 50 hours.
This is an amazing initiative after a week’s worth of incredible improvisation performances.
The stars given are speculative but I have great faith in the full ensemble. I'm sure they will come out after the full 50 hour stint, exhausted but triumphant.
