THE IMPRO LATE SHOW

Impro comedy at its best at the Enmore

Just like Forrest Gump’s legendary box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get with improv comedy. But in the hands of host, Rebecca De Unamuno, and her eager helpers, at least you know you will be in for a good time.

The Yalumba Wine Bar at the Enmore Theatre provides a tight but intimate atmosphere where one is surrounded by old posters of such musical luminaries as Kiss, the Whitlams and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and dozens of other acts who had previously performed at the Enmore Theatre. However, on this night comedy rules!

Miss Unamuno struts out onto the stage with all the enthusiasm of a ringmaster. Or is that mistress? Make no mistake, she is in charge and licking her lips at the prospect of the comedy mayhem she knows will ensue. After the introduction of her cohorts, David Callan and Cale Bain, both Theatresports regulars, we’re launched into various sketches suggested by the audience including a confrontation of dancing queens and an octopus at a bank robbery. Weird but enjoyable!

An Egyptian inspired Tomb of Truth, during which performers answer audience questions, although hit and miss, definitely scores in the silliness stakes. One of the highlights of the night is the audience suggested story of a Sam Spade like detective, played wonderfully by Callan, trying to solve a case concerning why Mrs Dumbo can’t get hospital treatment in Elephant City. After encounters with a horse played by Bain and a man with “all the answers” played delightfully by guest, Michael Hing, he manages to crack the case. Only in improv!

The night continues with musical chairs interviews and then a game of Jeopardy where the audience provides the answers for ridiculous questions subsequently dreamt up by the comedians.

When Miss De Unamuno asks audience members for personal details only to have performers impersonate them in a blind date sketch, we really are taking audience involvement to strange new levels.

Another guest, Shane Dundas (of Umbilical Brothers fame), shines as a TV weatherman giving a forecast during a bank robbery. Maybe a new career beckons!

I can’t tell you to go along and see this show because each performance is unique. You’ll have to see your own show and witness the comedic skills of a group of entertainers obviously enjoying themselves. Do they actually get paid for this?

The IMPRO LATE SHOW is a feature event of the Sydney Comedy Festival: For more information visit the website- www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au