The League of Improv | Underbelly Boulevard Soho

The League of Improv, which was founded by Damian Arnold, is an improvised comedy show; creating hilarious scenarios following input from the audience. The show features a different special guest comedian, at this performance it was Jake Lambert, who leads these audience interactions. Lambert was given free reign to engage with the audience, mostly the front couple of rows, asking questions and initiating conversations that the improv performers would then form their own sketches. The show was split into four parts (including an interval), with Lambert and the improv team taking turns to delight the audience. 

Lambert, who is a well known stand up comedian and in the middle of his own international tour, is a charming and delightful presence. Lambert knows best on getting the most laughs during his crowd work; making playful jabs at the audience, himself, the improv performers and even the venue staff. Lambert easily handles curve balls, tackling political comments with clever tact and wit. Lambert doesn't shy away from making jokes at the audience's expense, yet ensures these are light hearted and maintains his sunny disposition throughout. His charisma and natural gift for comedy dominates the stage, leaving one almost wishing he could remain on stage for longer. 

The company of improv performers do well with the information provided, making sure to give cheeky shoutouts to the specific audience member. The improv sections are formed of several shorter skits, rather than a continual scene, which could lead to it feeling disjointed at moments. The performers enjoy creating bizarre scenarios, often catching one another off guard and leading to a lot of corpsing on stage, which has the audience chuckling right along with them. Improv is a tough skill, and often results in a lot of hit and misses that the company quickly works out, replacing scenes that don't garner as much laughter with something new. Some of the funniest gags are brought back for the final section, but for the most part, each scene becomes its own entity. 

Admittedly there were quite a few improvised scenes that didn't quite feel finished, with the performers scrambling to continue a scene. But on the whole, the cast were excellent, creating several outstanding and hilarious scenes that made for a perfect night of comedy. Arnold is particularly striking, playing a cab driver, an inappropriate grandfather, and a lustful bookworm, creating the evening's highlights. 

The framework of League of Improv, bringing stand up comedy and improv together in one show, allows for two very different styles of comedy to co-exist which is a brilliant idea. Audiences are able to experience the best of both worlds, made only better with the connections between them. 

The League of Improv played for one night at the Underbelly Boulevard on 19th September. Jake Lambert is currently embarking on the UK leg of his international comedy tour. 

Tickets and More Information

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review