The Cambridge Impronauts present Improv Actually, an improvised rom-com. The format is simple and the troupe create a wealth of funny rom-com moments. While the narrative and energy struggle at times, and the cast sometimes seem to not know each other too well for a singular troupe, the show is enjoyable especially whenever two strong improvisers stand on stage together.
The show format of Improv Actually appears to be relatively simple – after choosing one of six audience suggestions via a cheer-off, the chosen character delivers a monologue followed by standard narrative improv scene progressions. The simplicity of the format allows for easy variation within the storyline, but relies fully on the performers to keep up the flow and energy of the performance, which did not always work out in the show that I watched. The plot could have moved faster in the middle of the show but the cast pulled together to create a full conclusion in the end.
Overall, the show ticked all the boxes of a rom-com – the single love-seeking main character, the best friend, the love interest, the falling-in/love montage, the worlds that are keeping them apart, the dramatic finale, and the happy ending. Eva, a nun who runs marathons as a hobby, fell for Bridget, the drummer of satanist band Rock Star, all taking place in Sleepy-on-Hill. At times especially in regards to the setting it felt as though performers weren’t fully listening to each other, adding many idiosyncrasies to the very Christian town that is fond of fun runs and underground dive bars. To the troupe’s credit, many of the less fitting additions to the plot were then integrated gracefully.
Quite a few of the performing pairs had excellent improv chemistry (including the band members of Rock Star and best friends Eva and Sophie), but sadly there were also combinations of improvisers that felt haphazard and like the cast barely knew each other’s improv styles. A further issue was that some of the improvisers playing side characters struggled to get included in the narrative. Some minor characters also lacked continuity in physicality and voice – understandably in an improvised play – but that did sadly lead to some confusion at a few walk-ons. On the other hand, other minor characters were very consistent and played consistently and enthusiastically. Overall, where the improvisers fully committed to their characters – specific shoutouts here to Eva and Cactus Man – they added so much energy to the rom-com.
One trope of the format that the troupe did particularly well were the comedic one-liners, innuendos, and gags that define many rom-coms. From Eva the nuns many innuendos that the improviser played with great timing and mostly with a straight face to cactus man, the troupe’s gags landed well with the audience. The classic montage with narration from the side was another well-placed and used trope, as was the split scene used when both Eva’s nuns and the other Rock Star band member discouraged the star-crossed lovers from falling for each other.
Improv Actually by the Cambridge Impronauts is overall a fun watch. The troupe use rom-com tropes well and do definitely create a rom-com. However, some scenes lack the enthusiasm and comedic high points that one would expect from a coherent improv troupe. Regardless, Improv Actually is a good lunchtime show and – especially for fans of the genre – worth visiting!
Review by STR
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