The 6th annual 50-Hour Improvathon
Hoxton Hall
Reviewed on Friday 11th January 2013 (7pm-9pm)
"Set in 1926, this year’s theme celebrates the glory days of Carter and Egyptology - it’s The Mummy meets Indiana Jones via Dorothy Parker and Agatha Christie! What secrets lie buried in the desert sands? Will there be greater discoveries than Tutenkhamun’s tomb? What is the riddle of the Sphinx? And what happens when performers stay awake for over 50 hours? As our cast gather in the old hotel overlooking the market square, prepare for an epic oddesey of romance, mystery and adventure..."
The audience took their seats, some equipped with sleeping bags and plenty of food to keep them going throughout the gruelling improvathon. The lights went down and suddenly Hoxton Hall was filled with huge cheers and screams. This was one of the most supportive and passionate audiences I have ever been part of.
The company consists of 20 actors, or improvisers as they may prefer to be called. While most of the cast were strong it was often hard to distinguish who was who. If you want to see something spontaneous then the 50 hour improvathon is pretty much as spontaneous as it gets. There is something special about watching improvisation, it provides a truly unique experience as what you are watching is being created before your eyes.
After a while, the scenes became slightly boring and it seemed to turn into a competition to see who could be the funniest and steal the limelight. The generous crowd did not stop laughing and applauding but some of the jokes became poor and a little desperate.
One stand out moment was during a scene in which the actors had to improvise a song. The musicians and performers worked incredibly well together.
So if you're in or around Hoxton over the next couple of days why not drop into Hoxton Hall to watch an episode or two of this unusual event and see if anyone is still awake! The improvathon continues until Sunday 13th January at 9.00pm.
£10 for all episodes
£7.00 concessions
£5.00 if you want to stay on for
another episode (subject to availability)
Full event Pass £55.00
Book online at www.hoxtonhall.co.uk (plus booking fee).
Ticket reservations at 020 7684 0060
www.extemporetheatre.com
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Photo Credit: Claire Bilyard
www.extemporetheatre.com
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
Photo Credit: Claire Bilyard
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