Edinburgh’s only resident improvised comedy troupe, The Improverts, have returned to the Bedlam Theatre following summertime escapades on the Fringe, which saw them play a show every night after midnight—even on Sundays. But while the name may be familiar to many Edinburgh folk, the group has succeeded in maintaining an enviable underground level of notoriety for two decades. In the hour-long show, several sketches with names like ‘Oscar Winning Speech’, ‘Emotional Rollercoaster’ and ‘Should Have Said’ are performed by the players (Liz, Will, Neville, Nick and David) with either a location, task or problem suggested by the audience. With a different audience each week, a diverse and altogether varied production is guaranteed each week.

Originally founded in 1989 by Canadian student Toph Marshall, The Improverts have garnered a cult following over the last twenty years and are embarking on a two-night run in London in late December. Based entirely on audience suggestion and participation, the show succeeds in combining the downright absurd with the altogether surreal to create a genuinely funny show with a distinct lack of pretension. Completely informal from beginning to end, The Improverts is a fast-paced and approachable example of new comedic talent in a tried and trusted formula.

The principle of an improvised sketch comedy show isn’t a new one, with Dan Patterson’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? continuing to be the most famous example of the genre. However, what the premise now lacks in originality, the content redresses in abundance as the considerable talents and energy of the players matched the ample imagination and whimsical demands of a rowdy audience. A truly unique night, where every show is different, The Improverts is a lively and unforgettable comic spectacular that not only captivates but also involves the theatre-goer and needs to be experienced at least once.