Review by Danielle Carr

The Impromptunes turn a difficult form of theatre, improvisation – something that theatre group members tend to avoid participating in, into an educated representation of social structure; a piece of Gothic set in a Windsor Castle which we only need to imagine through their characters.

There are no props or sets to assist us in imagining the scene. It is coincidental for me as just a few weeks ago I was in the real town of Windsor. Suggestions of setting given to the actors give way to a secret room which is a prison for those who are locked in there. However this Bronteish ‘Red Room’ does not remain a prison; instead it opens up into a labyrinth, and soon a garden which reminds me a little of a story I myself have written, about an orphan of Botany Bay, and a secret maze.

A knowledge of dream symbolism will reveal that the labyrinth often leads to the centre of the self. It is interesting that myself as an author, and these actors find their way through a similar process, to a similar destination. An actress mentions, ‘the soul’ and it is only in passing. It is interesting, because it means the subconscious is at work in drama, and this is indeed to be expected.

All of this has been improvised, it doesn’t originate in a script, and yet it seems to hold such meaning, such significance. These discoveries have been made through acting. The actors reproduce the English accents of class with ease, the upper and lower classes, and the performers create the characters. However, a couple of actors who had been advertised as part of the production, weren’t present.

In summary, it was pleasant to experience a Downton Abbey in theatre form. Why not see where they will take you?

When: 30th March – 23rd April 2017 | 7:00pm | No performance Wednesdays

Where: The Meeting Room | Trades Hall | MELBOURNE

Tickets: $22 – $42

Info: Duration 60 minutes | Suitable 13+ | Wheelchair accessible

Link: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2017/shows/the-completely-improvised-musical#