Impromptunes - The Completely Improvised Musical

I’ll admit, reviewing Impromptunes was completely indulgent on my part. They have been reviewed before, but I just really wanted to see it. I was not disappointed.

Impromptunes is exactly as described. A completely new improvised musical at every performance. A cast of six (the line up varies) and a pianist, take a suggestion from the audience and perform that title over the next hour. Previous titles include Quarter Life Crisis, Texas Homeschool Prom, Mummies in Brunswick and Toyota Corolla.

At Perth’s opening performance I can assure you that the show was original, as my suggestion was chosen. Host Emmet Nichols calls for suggestions and there is a cacophony of titles. If you would like to be chosen I suggest using nice clear projection and suggesting anything other than Donald Trump. The opening show was titled “Scandal at Eurovision”.

Musician Joshua James Webb accompanied and steered the cast as they created a story of intrigue and double crossing at Eurovision Stockholm, including Swedish twins with a rather masculine sister, Germany, United Kingdom and France attempting to work together, a murder or three, some romance and a happy ending. The improvised songs were catchy (with much of the audience singing as they departed), the plot was convoluted but fascinating and the improvisation skills were superb.

Excellent teamwork from Hollie James (playing a Swede with dirty hair), Isabella Valette (her domineering twin), Louisa Fitzhardinge (singing in German), Morgan Phillips (an underhand French competitor), Brenton Gardiner (a love-torn Brit) and Emmet Nichols (femme fatale, sex symbol and unlikely heroine).

Your experience will vary, but it will be good.

Impromptunes is a great finish to a night at FringeWorld, a later in the night show with lots of laughs, excellent music theatre and a guaranteed good time.

Kimberley Shaw

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