Edinburgh Fringe Interview: Cambridge University Improvised Comedy Troupe

Unlike standard comedy, our sketches and narratives are made up on the spot, allowing our highly trained performers to dazzle you with their skill and wit. Your suggestions drive the show, so come prepared to join in! No scripts, no rehearsals, no problem!

How are things going, you all ready for the Fringe?

We are ready and raring to go! Obviously, being an improvised show, we cannot rehearse in the traditional sense – there is no script and we cannot predict what audiences will suggest! However, throughout our final term, we have been running regular workshops in order to prepare for the show by honing our improvisation skills and bonding as a cast.

What do you think the appeal of the fringe is?

As a performer, the fringe offers a unique opportunity. Not only do you get to perform to audiences of people from all over the world and all walks of life, you also get to see shows that you would not see anywhere else – and they are all in one place! At the fringe art, theatre, comedy and music has you surrounded. It impossible to go anywhere without catching a show – whether it is a seated event you have planned to see or a street performer you pass on the Royal Mile!

Best five words that describe your show?

Improvised Comedy with a twist!

Tell us a bit about your show, what can we expect?

You can expect to see a bunch of skilled and experienced improvisers doing what they love! Plus, our show aims to take improvisation beyond just games and present an open narrative too, allowing us to take the improv and comedy to the next level.

I say it time and time again improv is one of the hardest comedies to do, and do well, what would you put your success down to?

Our cast is comprised of a fun group of people who are hot on the basics of improvisation but, at the same time, not afraid top try out new ideas. We embrace opportunities to do something different and go beyond what we have done before, even if it results in the unexpected! We also have a good mix of new and old performers, allowing for every show to have a grounding in the experienced with a spark of fresh talent!

What do you think makes the Free Fringe so worthwhile?

Without the Free Fringe many talented groups would find it impossible to perform at Edinburgh and it is often those who are least monied and/or established who have the freedom to present the freshest and most exciting ideas. I have seen some amazing shows at the Free Fringe and believe that this is where we will start to see the big new talent emerging from in the future.

What would you want your audience to take from the show?

An aching belly from laughing so much and a love of improv!

What advice would you give someone bringing a show to the fringe?

Organistion is the key. You do not necessarily need pots of cash or big names but without being organised you will come unstuck. Believe in your show – bring something that you think people will actually want to see and do as much publicity as possible. When you are here, see as many different types of shows as you possibly can – odds are you will find the inspiration for your next show and meet a raft of new, like-minded performers. Oh yeah, and flyer the Royal Mile like mad!