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Naomi Cooper receives 4 star review

Review of Improv Smackdown Internacional

"wacky and absurd improvised fun" by Andrew Taylor for remotegoat on 18/05/11   0

'Improv Smackdown Internacional' is a monthly night of top improvised comedy from London based troupe 'Improbabble.'

'Improbabble' are made up from four key players who are joined by two guests each month. The night kicks off with two reasonable stand-up sets before the main event;a series of wacky improvisation games using (often surreal) suggestions from the audience. 

Craig Hamblyn ably hosts the night's fun and silliness, teasing wacky suggestions for scenarios out of the audience and presiding over the ensuing mayhem. All of the players on show are quick thinking, bounce of each other brilliantly and form a tight-knit comedy team. 

The occasional line falls flat, but that really is to be expected with improvisation. On the whole 'Improbabble' carry the audience along with them on a surreal journey through oddball subjects such as 'kung-fu taxidermy,' a game of human puppets involving audience members controlling the performers and a series other unusual scenarios. 

Some of the set-ups for the games feel a tad formulaic and predictable for this kind of event, but on the whole both the quality of both Craig Hamblyn as a host and the rest of the improvisers carries the evening and makes it a real success. 

'Improv Smackdown Internacional' makes for an excellent alternative to the numerous stand-up nights on offer in central London. The riotous entertainment sucks the small but enthusiastic audience in for the duration of the two hour show. 

'Improbabble' have a residency at the Leicester Square Theatre basement venue and perform this rag-tag mix of improvisation games once a month. Why not check them out and enjoy their excellent brand of inventive silliness at one of London's best comedy theatres?

Reported by  www.remotegoat.co.uk