Let me start by saying that I applaud TAFT for bringing a show of this type as part of Re-Imagine and for using 4^Th Wall Theatre, which is the perfect venue for it. The audience is intimately close enough to be a part of the show, which El Jaguar Book (Fight) Club not only asks for but demands – and gets, in tomes.

Another advantage with 4th Wall, is when there is a fault with technical equipment as there is, tech-nut Pirate Brett, (he’s using a crutch at present), is able to fix it. (El Jaguar has wrestled with the wrong button.)

The show starts even as you arrive, with El Jaguar (Derek Flores), complete in his WWF outfit and mask, and his assistant, Candelita (Michi Flores), getting audience members to write their favourite book title on a piece of paper. This is placed in a bag, from which the subjects of the Book Club part are drawn.

Their backgrounds in improv come rapidly to the fore and remain even after the book is closed.

Normally, when reviewing a show, the idea is not to reveal too many spoilers, but as this show is primarily improv, based on the titles from the audience, I almost have a free rein. I’m sure there are some parts that make up the spine of book club that are in each show, but when the book titles are decided by the audience, his reactions must have the same degree of dynamism.

He does use some foul language, which doesn’t bother me, and also doesn’t seem to bother the predominantly female audience. Another of Candelita’s jobs is to remind El Jaguar when he has overstepped, so I guess she is also the referee.

Once introductions are over, he then explains the rules of Book (Fight) Club, which, if I told you, wouldn’t make any sense anyway.

He then goes about setting up the fights, by drawing book titles from the bag. This can be the only disappointing part of the show, as it is for me, when mine isn’t drawn.

Audience members, who have read the book, then give their precis, to which he then adds a more than comical touch. For example, he describes The Thursday Murder Club as “Scooby Do for geriatrics”, and challenges audience members to defend their stance. It is more than obvious that he is very well read.

Once all books have been suitably torn apart – figuratively, not literally – the fights begin, where book is set against book and the audience decide the outcome by level of approval.

As the fights begin, Candelita comes to the fore with music to suit each title. This adds beautifully to the show with suitable comments and reaction from El Jaguar.

I am not a great reader, my last few have been biographies, but this show is fantastically entertaining, and I would go again tomorrow, safe in the knowledge that I would see an entirely different show, based on entirely different books.

If more book clubs were like this, I’m sure they would be more popular.

Don’t FIGHT it, BOOK a ticket as soon as they’re in a CLUB in your town.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer

I am unfamiliar with El Jaguar (Derek Flores), the masked Mexican wrestler who greets me as I enter The Classic Studio. A quick search reveals that he has a significant catalogue of shows and has over 25 years of international improvisational experience.

His appearance (as my companion later describes him during the show) is interesting, wearing a classic wrestling outfit in red, complete with red knee-high socks and a mask. He brings great energy and commitment to his performance and his interactions with the audience are warm and funny, so that everyone is ready to join in once the show begins.

El Jaguar Book (Fight) Club is described as a show for those who love book clubs and those who hate book clubs. While the idea of book club may seem an odd choice for comedy, this show makes the most of this premise to create an extremely funny and engaging hour.

Having been asked to write a memorable book title onto a slip of paper as soon as I sit down, I am pleased to see a bag full of titles placed purposefully onto a small table in the performance area, where many jars of Best Foods mayonnaise are already placed. The significance of the mayonnaise is addressed later in the show.

El Jaguar starts the show by getting to know the audience and is soon winning people over with his responses to the information they offer. He is quick to find things ‘nice!’ and it very soon becomes apparent that everyone in the room is there to enjoy the experience.

After this introduction, the main material begins. Unfortunately, due to the rules of Book (Fight) Club I should say nothing more …

… however, this show is too clever and too funny for me to stick to the rules!

The show really is exactly what the title suggests – a fight between eight books that are suggested by the audience. El Jaguar describes the contest as a literati thunderdome, and his description of this has the audience roaring with laughter.

It’s remarkable how much humour El Jaguar is able to generate from his interviews with the audience about the books they have chosen, and this shows hugely impressive improvisation and observation skills. It also shows how knowledgeable El Jaguar is about a range of books, helping his audience to describe what they like best about each book.

El Jaguar is able to riff on the themes and ideas in the books, sometimes starting into unconventional territory, but always getting a response from the audience. One description of the author of the Harry Potter book series greatly entertained the audience.

Each book is given due consideration before the audience decides which one should progress to the next round. This all happens quite quickly, and soon the fight between the final two books is improvised in wonderfully funny detail before an eventual winner is crowned to the delight of the audience.

From a simple premise, El Jaguar creates a show that leaves me feeling energised and very entertained. It’s a real treat to see such a sharp and switched-on improviser, who makes audience interaction enjoyable rather than uncomfortable, and this show is a fabulous way to engage with the Comedy Festival.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer