CONSTANT SURPRISES FROM CONSUMMATE PROFESSIONALS |
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) CONARTISTS – Bite Me: FangProv at The Drake, Freeman's Bay, Auckland From 5 May 2010 to 15 May 2010 Reviewed by Joanna Davies, 6 May 2010 |
Improvisation can be terrifying – especially if you’re called upon to “help the actors out.” Bite Me FangProv might be about a spooky subject, but trust me, the audience is completely safe. Unless you’re afraid of laughing yourself to death.
After last year’s sell-out run of Austen Found, the Con Artists team is back with their take on all things vampire.
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a classic Bram Stoker vampire lover or you’re a member of Team Edward. And the beauty of improvisation is no two shows are the same, so I can spill the beans.
First off, the lovely Penny Ashton continues a Con Artists tradition by teaching everyone how to work out their vampire name, then the team takes to the stage to collect ideas and information to help them craft their tale.
Suddenly we’re in Sucking Fluff, in the southern US of A, in the middle of a 1920s vampire mystery.
As the tale unfolds (as much a surprise to the cast as the audience), it becomes obvious what consummate professionals they are. Nigel Burrows, Penny Ashton, Clare Kelso and Lori Dungy have made Aucklanders cry with laughter for years, and Eli Matthewson, the youngest performer last evening, came very close to stealing the show.
These guys really know what they’re doing. No scene gets the opportunity to drag and if something isn’t working they’ll pick up on it, jump in and turn it around before the audience knows what’s happened.
The space at The Drake was packed with very happy punters and more than half enjoyed themselves so much they went back for Sex, Lies and Improvise at 8:30.
Now that’s an endorsement!
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