The Improvised Play, Arcola Theatre Review

Written by Cathie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Content warnings: moments of darkness, swearing and adult themes

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The genre of improvised theatre is not new to London’s fringe, with notable mentions including Austentatious and Shake it Up Shakespeare. However, more than holding its own in an entirely unique way is The Improvised Play at the Arcola Theatre. Where the aforementioned examples focus on a specific genre, including Austen and Shakespeare, The Improvised Play has no limitations or niche interests at all. The audience suggests the era, the location and the name of the play and the cast create the play from those three suggestions. In my attendance, the play was called ‘When in Rome’ and set in 1970’s outside the coliseum in Rome. The two characters of rich heiress Falulah and ex-soldier Arnold meet in a chance situation and embark on a hilarious (and at times profound) exploration of their relationship as they take on the world of fashion, the mafia and the difficulty of finding oneself when fighting personal demons.

It is difficult enough to act well when given a script and ample rehearsal time, however, actors Lola Rose Maxwell and Charlie Kemp are clearly masters of their improvised craft and swiftly create an intricate play with many moments where the audience was roaring with laughter or awing with sympathy at the experiences of their characters. I was impressed at how quickly they built a rapport with multiple scenarios of jokes and referred to them at the best moments as they built their 3-act play, (each act is signified by the room going dark). The set’s appearance of an antique shop festooned with an interesting variety of props also greatly added to the intrigue and interest in the show. The dynamic duo definitely has the same comedic talent as the late Robin Williams in controlling the room and making the audience roar with laughter in this controlled chaos. Some choice examples include Falulah changing from making macrame to snakeskin bags after Arnold doesn’t realise, he has a snake biting him in his hat, this leads to them solving all mugging crime and creating spider bags to sell to Harrods.

As an improvised play, there is no guarantee that the experience will be the same each time, but if anything that urges you to book each night so that you can soak up all of the joyful witticisms anew each night. If you enjoy quick witted improvised genius and heartfelt scenarios then I thoroughly recommend this show for you.

 At Arcola Theatre until 9 March 2024. 

★ ★ ★ ★