Paul Merton's Impro Chums

Written by Sarah Riddick | 22 August 2011

It’s difficult to imagine a show that caters more to audience satisfaction than Paul Merton’s Impro Chums. Performing twice daily in the massive Pleasance Grand, in an hour filled with audience suggestions, the Chums have found just the right approach to inducing big-scale laughs without compromising their crucial connection to the crowd.


The show’s structure - an hour of classic improv games, mainly inspired by the audience - will fabulously satisfy those who are tired of the same old Whose Line Is It Anyway? episodes, as well as challenge the pesky cynics who just can’t believe in the magic of quick and funny minds being put to the test and acing it. Unlike Whose Line, which seems to build in audience suggestions as a necessity at times, the Impro Chums rely primarily on the specifics launched at them moment by moment, a tactic that works remarkably well considering the size of the audience. The Chums further relate to, rather than alienate, the audience by taking pre-show written suggestions and devoting approximately half the show to carrying a randomly drawn set to fruition.

There were, as some would expect (yes, I’m talking to you, you naughty non-believer), a couple of wobbly moments when a particular suggestion would trump a Chum. It was surprising, however, to see which suggestions trumped; Merton, for example, stumbled with illustrating the elements of arthouse films and - gasp! - Harry Potter, two suggestions he admitted he didn’t fully grasp. Still, Merton was in fine, witty form, as were the rest of the Chums.

Admittedly, a major part of improv’s excitement and appeal is the fact that no two shows are alike. From your plastic seat, you may thus wonder if this will be the show that flops (go on, admit it!). While I can only speak for my show, I am assured that these Impro Chums are clever and quick-minded enough to handle (almost) everything the audience throws their way. Expect the Chums to deliver a fun, different form of comedy that can appeal to most ages and interests, and, if you’re up for it, a show that will finally assuage your improv doubts and fears.

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Pleasance Grand, 19-27 Aug, times vary