Shakespeare is history's greatest playwright, an opening which was received varyingly amongst the audience at Theatr Clwyd, yet what happens if an Improv group come along and 'Shake Up' Shakespeare's greatest works with the faithful (or questionable) hands of the audience and create a completely new story?
ShakeItUp Shakespeare: The Improvised Shakespeare Show opens up the storytelling to the audience by giving them the opportunity to write lines which the performers will use throughout the story. The audience also take control of creating the genre, the locality and the characters that will be used throughout the plot, which gives an element of intrigue as the troupe have no control over what will unfold on stage and will completely have to improvise. The troupe do an incredible job of already creating a safe space and fun environment during the introductions and build up a good rapport with the audience, embracing the hilarious and slightly crazy suggestions that come their way.
The sheer talent of this cast is what truly stands out - for this performance Joe Prestwich, Dexter Southern, Abigail Clay and James Alston coalesce to create something truly unique. Southern must be commended for some of the funniest moments of the evening, taking his character to the extreme to create some over-the-top and hilarious reactions to the tradgedy unfolding. Clay effortlessly charms the audience with her quick-witted puns from the audience's suggestions. Alston propels the story forward with true Shakespearian flair and Prestwich fully embraces the chaos, using imaginary props that has the audience in hysterics.
The whole team must be commended for their quick-wit and ability to react and steer the story based on the audience's suggestions, to somehow make a plot that still makes sense. With Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Aldi and different cheeses being thrown into the mix, one can only imagine how difficult it must be to create a somewhat cohesive plot, yet the team do so with ease and the audience are swept along for the ride. It's so impressive to watch how easily they can pull soliloquies, monologues and rhyming couplets out of thin air.
A blank space is what is necessary for this piece of theatre to take place, however, the team do a fantastic job of creating atmosphere by playing a drum or strumming a guitar lightly side stage. A shoutout must be given to the lighting team, who consistently keep up with the chaos tremendously, using blues for moments of solemn contemplation and red for murder and tragedy.
It's easy to see why the ShakeItUp Theatre troupe are so well received and are consistently gathering audiences at Edinburgh Fringe, on UK tours and in London. ShakeItUp Shakespeare: The Improvised Shakespeare Show creates an accessible space to introduce new audiences to the work of Shakespeare and provide an incredibly enjoyable and light-hearted evening at the theatre.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Kommentare