Improvised theatre usually provides an opportunity for the audience to take control of a show. However, the main issue with ‘Improvabunga’ was that, from the outset, the apparently ‘improvised’ play felt manufactured. With little audience input after the first carefully guided selections of genre and location, the plot (on this occasion a disaster epic set in a pizza factory) remained linear and one-dimensional, with the actors firmly stuck in their pre-planned comfort zones. While the acting itself was good and each scene flowed into the next, the performance lacked the spontaneous wit that can elevate an improv show to the next level. There is potential here, though – perhaps a few shorter, snappier scenes involving more audience input would be more successful.

theSpace on Niddry Street, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Stephanie Gray]