North East Theatre Guide: Review: The Suggestibles Impro Pantso

Christmas Spirit For Adults

The Suggestibles Impro Pantso

Northern Stage

18^th December 2014.

This was a play with no script, no idea and totally reliant on the imagination of the audience.

For the 8^th year running a team of improvisational actors have entertained a packed Stage 1 at Northern Stage. This took a basic story from the audience, with characters designed by the audience, named by the audience and interpreted by the players.

The crowd, in a festive mood and perhaps a little mellow from visiting the bar, came up with the silliest names and ideas, and led to some anarchic and occasionally, a tad rude, interpretations. This is definitely not for children, and most of the filth comes from the punters. The set was from the kids’ Get Santa production and the team made use of the advent calendar windows as part of the fun.

The usual story of the lovesick princess, the wicked witch, the handsome prince (with a massive, er, chicken), and Cliff Richard, was played as a story within a story of a very dysfunctional family. Ian McLaughlin led proceedings and did try to keep the story on track. There were some awkward moments but the actors managed to keep the madness moving. Bev Fox, Carl Kennedy, Tom Walton, Jayne Humphreys made for an anarchic onstage ensemble along with guest player Steve Steen and musician Alex Ross providing the ever changing score and accompanying the crazy songs that hatched out of nowhere. The crowd got up to sing and do a special dance, this was very much a two-way performance. Highlights included a rap battle between Bev Fox and Jayne Humphreys and the annual rewrite of The Twelve Days Of Christmas using alternative lyrics from a very naughty audience.

This was an excellent antidote to the kids’ pantos, and a chance for the grown ups to get into the party mood. Catch it next year!

This review was written by Joanne Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo.

Coming up For The Suggestibles:

The Suggestibles play The Stand in Newcastle the 2nd Monday of each month. The Suggestibles New Year Impro Comedy Ding Dong takes place at the Cumberland Arms on Wednesday 31^st December 2014 and must be booked in advance from their website: www.thesuggestibles.com.

Currently on at Northern Stage:

Get Santa: preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/

Get Santa:review: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/review

The Christmas Grump: preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/preview