The conceit is as charming as it is mischievous: two young aspiring scientists sneak into their mother’s secret lab to carry out their “Best Experiment Ever.” As things spiral out of control, they inadvertently create something incredible and must manage the chaos (and clean up the mess) before Mum returns.

This is family-friendly improv, pitched to tamariki aged 5–12 and their whānau. The show also assures that the ‘experiments’ are safe and vetted with chemists so that the audience won’t worry about flaming beakers or misplaced test tubes.

What makes It’s Alive! especially compelling is the way it leans into the wonder, the unpredictability, and the ‘oops’ moments inherent in experimentation, mirroring how children explore the world. There is a sense that what the show risks – things going wrong – is part of its charm.

Dylan Underwood and Rebecca Mary Gwendolen take on the two scientist roles, with Matt Hutton on piano, improvising a soundtrack throughout. From the moment they set foot on stage, there is delight in their physicality, their sense of curiosity, and their willingness to stumble. They lean into missteps, as any good scientist should, and use them as springboards for imaginative detours.

Suggestions – for scenes, character traits, or experiment ideas – are taken up with eagerness; they ripple into the narrative naturally, rather than feeling forced. There’s a generosity in listening that is the hallmark of strong improv. I personally think that our young audience is ready to be much more involved, but Rebecca and Dylan are the experts.

The show captures the delight of “What happens when we try this?” – although when they get home, I do overhear my kids whisper, “Let’s sneak into the chemicals and do secret experiments.” Oh well … SCIENCE!

It’s Alive! is a delightful, energising piece of improvised theatre built for families, but full of surprises even for grown-up theatregoers. It doesn’t just do ‘fun science show for kids’, it does improvisation about science, failure, discovery and responsibility.

Dev Rama (aged 6)

It’s Alive! is about science and it is an improv show. They just do it as they go along and we (the audience) help them to know what to do. They did cool science experiments. They made bubbles and elephant toothpaste! My favourite part was when someone special appeared – but it’s a secret! The performers were cool!

Luna Rama (aged 9)

Two siblings are going to go to different schools. They want to do everything together while they still can. They want to do basketball, soccer, piano, fighting crocodiles (they never actually did that). Rebecca and Dylan went to their piano lesson and Rebecca was like, “Oooof, I am exhausted because I’ve done absolutely everything.” Dylan said, “Oooof I am exhausted because I’ve done absolutely nothing!” Hahahaha!

They do some science experiments which makes something magical happen!

They also make bubbles. I loved all of the live piano music. I recommend you come and see these shows because they’re some of the best improv shows ever.

Copyright © in the review belongs to the reviewer