The Institute is the lively resident improvisation company at London's Canal Café Theatre. Actor Paul Foxcroft introduces tonight's format and performers, explaining that sketches end when the floor is slapped, and that the show is divided into a series of game formats. Die involves him placing a hand on the back of an actor when she or he is to talk, and the audience shouting Die when rules are broken. The actor then drops out until only one is left. The audience is asked for key words so that the actors can make up on the spot and narrate a story, carrying on from each other when picked to speak. Tonight's is a tale of St Lucia, incorporating the audience's picked words.

Pan Left, Pan Right sees the actors arranged in a loop, with the chosen MC telling them to pan left or right (move round in one direction or the opposite) so that two are at any time nearest the audience. These two act a set of continuing and interlocking dramas suggested by new keywords from the audience. Tonight these include Dr Who's Tardis, Sadness, Sherlock Holmes. Genre Roller involves scenes being played during which the genre is switched by an MC's command between - tonight, at the audience's suggestions - film noir, panto, and others. Chain Murder has the audience pick the location, occupation and murder weapon of a crime with the actors offstage. One comes on, to guess, and then teaches the next, who teaches the next, what each guesses has happened. At the end each has to say what she or he thinks the original words are.

Should Have Said lets an actor talk with the audience interrupting for she or he to say an alternative, diverting the sketch to a new direction In the next game, slips of paper previously filled in with random sentences by the audience are picked from a glass - eg 'I love doggies' tonight - and incorporated.

There is a brief improvised play, with all 6 actors taking part and taking several roles. The theme tonight is 'isolation', and each steps forward to say what this means to her or him. Bits of each speech are used as plot strands for the play. This performance links The Queen's Brian May, prison, rats, a statue and many other things.

Tonight's a lively evening from a gifted cast. The next show is billed to focus on classics from literature, and themes for the shows vary - a good idea to allow the show to evolve and keep it different for improv fans going regularly.

There's an outstandingly talented cast. Paul Foxcroft delivers stylishness and sensitive adaptability, almost provoking tears with one short scene. Gemma Arrowsmith brings impishness and an elegant focus into strong, sensitive acting. Nick Ewans knows how to use a great comedy advantage in a medium-height cast of being tall and well-built, and he shows a fine ability in quick-thinking, imaginative lines. Shelley Islam delivers some lovely physical comedy and witty dialogue, with a warm presence. Sara Pascoe is incredibly funny as Brian May and his demands to 'do it like Queen'; sparkling acting, lightning intelligence, and graceful movement. Ben Van De Velde brings lively mischief with thoughtful, moving and perceptive portrayals of the different characters. A show like this works on prompt sound effects and exact lighting, all provided with great expertise and imagination by Ross Mc Givern.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Gemma Arrowsmith. Nick Ewans. Paul Foxcroft. Shelley Islam. Sara Pascoe. Ben Van De Velde. Actors at other performances include: Jessica Fostekew. Cariad Lloyd. Steve Mould. Lucy Trodd. Gemma Whelan.

Company Credits: Creators - The Institute. Director - Cariad Lloyd. Box Office - Sara Pascoe. Technical Operator - Ross Mc Givern. Producer - Canal Café Theatre. Company - The Institute. MySpace www.myspace.com/theinstitutesmyspace. Facebook www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2988455321. Website www.canalcafetheatre.com. Email theinstitutesemail@googlemail.com.

END

John Park

reviewed Wednesday 3 October 07 / Canal Café Theatre

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008