Paul Merton’s Impro Chums
Paul Merton, one of the UK's best-loved performers, and his world renowned Impro Chums Suki Webster, Mike McShane, Richard Vranch and music from Kirsty Newton create a new and unique comedy show, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, their own finely honed improvisational skills and an almost manic compulsion to show off.
Edinburgh Fringe 2023: Paul Merton’s Impro Chums
5 Stars : Jemima Hawkins : the Student Newspaper : August 11, 2023
Opening day nerves? Not a glimpse. This highly renowned improv show is without a doubt a league above the rest thanks to the quickest wits in comedy and a willingness to make a bit of a fool of themselves in the name of hilarity and viewer delight.
The ‘Impro Chums’ in question are Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Kirsty Newton, and Mike McShane, and with host Paul Merton, they take audience suggestions to create a hilarious show that accurately demonstrates their positions as masters of the improvisation craft.
It is difficult for a prepared stand-up show to remain consistently amusing for an hour, let alone one totally improvised, but the chums bounced off each other in brilliant harmony amid a cocktail of different audience-led games. The nature of the show was as follows: give a prompt to the audience, select the most outlandish response and craft the wittiest of amusement in what could be called ‘tomfoolery’.
To name a few, as I can rest assured, they won’t be seen again: a scene in which Gordon Ramsay was fighting with a leaf blower; a panel discussion on the ethics of aardvark cage fighting; and a neighbourly row over an apple tree that manifested itself into being a Who Do You Think You Are episode on Nigel Farage. Yes, you read all that correctly – and that was just the first half.
This is the type of non-stop, laugh-out-loud comedy, that you could see over and over again and never tire of. Though Merton’s reputation is reflected in the ticket price, only true confidence in his abilities as an entertainer could leave this show without a moment of silence or hesitation. Aided by equally funny accomplices and a live piano soundtrack from Kirsty Newton that adjusted to the nature of the improv (the shift from a burlesque to punk rock soundtrack within moments was particularly impressive), Paul Merton is everything you know and love.
This show is an exquisite demonstration of the hilarity of improvised comedy.
Review: Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Lighthouse, Poole
By Cliff Moore, Bournemouth Echo, June 15th 2022.
Their wit and speed of thought is extraordinary as they live on the edge through scenes such as Mary Poppins and a potato masher, a naked rollercoaster ride or the Great Catsby.
It’s incredibly clever stuff, keeps the audience marvelling at the wonder of it, smiling constantly and occasionally guffawing uncontrollably at the comedy anarchy of the proceedings.
It is, of course, an age-old format but to witness expert practitioners at the height of their game was a joy, particularly when Merton had to guess a fiendishly difficult occupation – something like the operator of a ventriloquist of a Joan of Arc dummy, dressed in armour in the Vatican on Shrove Tuesday – from cryptic clues suggested by the others.
They finished with a version of Shakespeare – The Comedy of Horrors, as suggested by someone in the crowd – which was so good I harboured thoughts (wash my mouth out) that some passages had been planned and then slotted into whatever play they were pastiching.
In any case, two hours flew by and I could have done with a third.
Paul Merton's Impro Chums is simply brilliant comedy … It’s laugh-out-loud funny from start to finish, and just so damn clever. You will laugh from start to finish … I cannot recommend this show enough.
Leeds Live - June 2019
It’s all delivered with wit, snap, intelligence and zest … the audience leave with smiles on their faces and the feeling that they have witnessed something anarchic, beautifully-crafted from thin air – and completely unique.
Shropshire Star - May 2019
It is two hours of utter joy … This is a bit like joining a party (oh to have such friends!) and watching the revellers muck about to their heart’s content. Merton and his ‘chums’ are so relaxed, so at ease with one another and with this form of play that it is impossible not to be carried away – you find yourself yelling ‘western’ or ‘courgette’ because you just want the fun to keep going.
BN1 Magazine - April 2019
Merton and his pals were wonderfully silly. We laughed so much our faces ached. Comedy shows can't get a better recommendation than that.
South Wales Argus
The night was improvisation at its very best - five comedians who just like to mess around on stage, without a care in the world. Memorable stuff. Go and watch them ...
Nantwich News
I laughed so much my face hurt ... This show is an absolute must-see
Wiltshire Post
You could see this every night and never tire of it ... they continue to be the finest exponents of the improv art.
★★★★★ Daily Mirror
★★★★★ The hilarity is continuous and it’s delightful to see the Chums enjoying it as much as the audience and genuinely making each other laugh. Go and see the true maestros at work.
The Wee Review
They are masters of the tricky art of improvisation and their lightning fast wit fuelled by intelligence and a great sense of fun will leave you with a laughter-induced stitch and a spring in your step.
Broadway Baby
Paul Merton's Impro Chums is a delight ...
Clever, laugh-out-loud, silly fun"The York Press read review
A two-hour dose of quick-thinking, fast-talking, rib-tickling fun - we had more than our money's worth of mirth ...
The News Portsmouth
Instant and impulsive comedy which had the crowd struggling to work out just how the group can keep it up while trying to contain face-aching laughter ...
Bristol Post
"Merton's Chums are some of the most seasoned performers in this field and know just how to work the games, the suggestions and the audience for maximum effect...Pure hilarity"
★★★★★British Theatre Guide
I laughed a lot, at those uncomplicatedly glorious moments when a choice rhyme arrives from who knows where, or just at the fabulous arbitrariness of it all: the marrow carved into a statue of Lady Antonia Fraser; the bicycling koalas called Freeman, Hardy and Willis. This stuff couldn’t be written, and it’s invigorating to hear a different voice on stage: not of crafted artistry but of the performers’ subconscious, not set free exactly, but let exuberantly loose on a long leash.
At one point, that great improviser Lee Simpson was challenged somehow to express skiing, taxidermy and Welshness in a solo dance. The collectively held breath was palpable as audience and co-stars waited on his response; likewise the collective goodwill that carried him, and his daft dance, like a surfer’s wave to the shore. At such moments – and tonight there are several – impro supplies a uniquely precipitous brand of fun.
The Guardian - Brian Logan
Paul Merton and his Impro Chums are in top form for their current tour - It may be a popular show, but Merton's crew has a way of making you think the ridiculous sketches are just for you ...
North Devon Journal
They have been wowing theatres across the UK for years now with their utterly compelling spontaneity. They are able to conjure out of thin air the most breathtaking routines. "Genius" is an overused word, but it really does apply to Paul Merton's Impro Chums
Henley Standard
