The Days of the Old School Yard.

The Melbourne Comedy Festival has an act pitched perfect to High School students. It’s called Improvilicious:  Improvised Guide to High School.

The opening line sets the scene.

“If TV and movie representations are anything to go by, it involves wizards, kids randomly bursting into song and dance numbers, witches, hot vampires, superheroes in terrible disguises and without a doubt, it will totes be the most mega important and dangerous six years of a your life. But what is high school really like and how does one survive it?”

Writer Jimmy James Eaton has his own wounds to draw upon.

“In year 8 I had no idea what to do when I liked a girl. I approached a poor young lass sitting at the bag rack on a  Friday afternoon. I thought I was a young version of the Fonze and planned to  say ‘How about you and I go to the movies.

“But nerves took complete control of me. I was just squealed out the words. ‘I love you.’  The poor girl just shrieked. All the girls started running around. Oh My God. Jimmy loves…”

He also had some ‘amazing’ teachers.

“I had a religion teacher who swore he could speak in tongues. Another would throw white board markers at students.”

The comedy act sets up a range of ‘situations’ .

“How to deal with bullies. What happens when you start notice the opposite sex. Dealing with embarrassing parents. Also the monotony of detention, and exams.”

Using audience suggestions and participation, they improvise their way through a typical first day at school. They guarantee that no two shows are the same.

The comedy team believes improvisation is a dynamic way of keeping the attention of young people.

Last year they toured The Improvised Guide to Theatre. It started with Ancient Greek theatre and went all the way through to contemporary work.

“It allows you to be present and talk to the audience. High School students found that enthralling.”

Improvilicious: Improvised Guide to High School.

Melbourne Town Hall, Powder Room, 90-120 Swanston Street, CBD

Dates: Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April (No Mondays)