Scratch: Comedy Improvisation
Reviews
2007
4* - www.one4review.com
There are over 2000, out there. The Fringe is only three weeks long . What do you go and see? Well, here's a tip, the bold bunch of Gareth Kane, Marcus Garvet, Pippa Evans, Ruth Bratt, John Nawer augmented at times by John Bradley lead their audience through the brochure, by giving their slant on what the shows selected at random by the crowd are all about.
Some of the shows that were 'done' were Orgasm the Musical, Miracle in Rwanda, Unsex me Here and Freedom for the Recorder.
This intrepid quintet use all their impro skills to entertain and 'educate' using all of the devices available in their vast repertoire of skills.
It is obvious that the show will be different every night so this could also build up a cult following, I know if I had the time I would certainly return.
What the people say
The public loved us too, the following reviews were posted on the Edfringe website:
5* 10/10 28 Aug 2007
reviewer: Ed, United Kingdom
Absolutely brilliant. The best thing I saw at the Fringe.
5* And 5 Stars from me too 15 Aug 2007
reviewer: George Forsyth, United Kingdom
Absolutely terrific. Macbeth and the bouncy castle needed to be seen to be believed. Simply one of the best things I've ever seen. Talented individuals working magical improvisation.
5* DONT MISS THIS 15 Aug 2007
reviewer: David Curtis, Ireland
Couldn't stop laughing, hilarious. What a perfect way to finish an evening. A must see
5* What can i say 10 Aug 2007
reviewer: eileen , United Kingdom
Well done. I laughed and I never laugh. Too clever. Go see.
5* great show 10 Aug 2007
reviewer: christopher challis, england
great impro show, loved the idea using the guide for idea, and they even picked my idea for many show one man star wars with 5 people but set in the artic!!!!
5* See this show 09 Aug 2007
reviewer: Chris Cann, United Kingdom
It made me laugh so much it hurt.
5* Do not miss this show... it is the dogs!! 08 Aug 2007
reviewer: Anna , United Kingdom
I loved it! What a fantastic night. I have never laughed so hard. To be honest I only bought a ticket because Paul Merton had sold out but what a great alternative. I loved the bit when the blonde girl came in and we all had to shout at her. I want to come again and again. Give these guys a series!!
5* 07 Aug 2007
reviewer: Sam, United Kingdom
5* This show rocks! 03 Aug 2007
reviewer: Emma P, London, United Kingdom
Was really looking forward to this show. Saw it last year and loved it... and this year it's even better!! Laughed so much it brought on my asthma!! (and I wasn't the only one I noticed) Brilliant night! The game where the girl played the guys arms was hilarious and the one where they all told a story and killed themselves off was flawless. Especially liked the improvised ghost hunt. If you go to anything this year make it this, trust me, you won't be disappointed!
2006
The Stage
The Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show at the Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh
A strong format, exceedingly well executed by a confident cast of improvisers, makes the Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show a hilarious slice of late night entertainment. It would easily sustain more than 90 minutes, rather than being curtailed to an hour.
The improvisational choices are made by the audience before the show starts. They are invited to circle any show they like from the fringe programme, rip the page out and place it in the bucket. These, together with the shows’ 40 word descriptions, then become the basis for a variety of improvisations.
Framing it all is a three-part story, based on the first choice out of the bucket. This is split up with such ideas as quick fire scenes of performers showcasing their shows on the Royal Mile, the workshop process by which a show came into being, an awards ceremony for such gems as "best sex scene" and a reviewer, hot-foot back from a show to be interviewed about it live.
Good though the format might be, it is Scratch’s rapport and team effort which makes the show a success. Each member adds to the dynamic and off-the-wall humour of a show which is, essentially, the fringe lampooning itself.
Review by Thom Dibdin. Published Fri 18 August 2006 at 11:20
ThreeWeeks - 12th August 2006 - 4/5 stars
The Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show
As I was waiting in the queue for this show, I was handed yet another programme, but this time was asked to pick a show, any show, circle it and put that page in a box along with other audience members' choices. This was to be the ingenious method used by the cast to inspire some wonderful laugh out loud comedy - reducing other Festival Fringe shows to one improvised scene. With only the box of selected shows and the audience for ideas, there was so much spontaneity and pace to this production that you were never sure just where they were going to head next, making it all the more amusing and enjoyable. I suggest you start looking now for the most off the wall, obscure production you can find in that fringe programme of yours.
4* - www.one4review.com
The Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show
Why search through the 256-page Fringe programme to decide what to see when 'The Reduced Edinburgh Impro Show' takes some of the agony out of the choice. Admittedly we are asked to choose a page from the Fringe programme and circle one show on that page, and then you probably won't quite see the actual production chosen. You will however see a very talented young company in action.
Fairly basic concept using Fringe shows instead of written ideas, they have one serial soap in three parts intercepted with improvised sketches, some songs and games. The performing line-up of this show changes nightly, although the basis of this company are listed as; Gareth Kane, Ruth Bratt, Steve Keyworth and Pippa Evans in the Fringe programme.
You are almost guaranteed to see a great show, but never sure what this extremely hilarious bunch will get up to next. Please be warned if you are not up for having a great laugh, this is not the show for you!
What the people say
The public loved us too, the following reviews were posted on the Edfringe website:
5* Didn't want it to end! 27 Aug 2006
reviewer: gemma powell, United Kingdom
I saw this on Wednesday and planned to see it again on Friday but it was sold out. I cried with laughter! The funniest thing ever. The only thing I found disappointing about it was when it ended!
5* brilliant!! 25 Aug 2006
reviewer: gemma powell, United Kingdom
very clever and well performed.
5* The Best Impro Show 24 Aug 2006
reviewer: Jacqui, United Kingdom
Saw this last year and was not disappointed by my return visit. The group works well together and clearly enjoys the performance and audience reaction. Achingly funny in places. The slickest impro show of the Fringe.
5* laugh from start to finish 24 Aug 2006
reviewer: Alb, UK
Fantastic impro comedy show and definately the best show I've seen this year. I won't say anything more than go and see it. Quick, you've not got much time left!!!
5* I would give it more stars if I could!! 22 Aug 2006
reviewer: Jay and Claire, United Kingdom
I've just spent a week at the fringe and what a fantastic way to round it off than to see this show. If I'm honest I only saw it to fit one in before the end, but I am chuffed I did. It was superb! The actors (or improvisors... I don't know what you call them) complimented each other so well and seemed to genuinely get on, which is so nice to see and my wife and I were in stitches from beginning to end. I am so impressed that anyone can do this kind of thing, and from scratch. Top top show, which was the cherry on the cake for my week here. Can't recommend it highly enough!
5* Excellent stuff 21 Aug 2006
reviewer: Jonathan, United Kingdom
Best impro seen at the Fringe, Chums and Puppets included. Format added a freshness not seen in a typical impro show running order. Strong performances throughout, though just a tad of one or two players not accepting that the scene they were in was not focusing on them. Catch them if you can.
5* Best thing I saw all week 20 Aug 2006
reviewer: Helen , United Kingdom
This was the best thing we saw during our week at the fringe. We saw another amateur improv show the day before which didn't even touch this - it was professionally done, slick, imaginative and very very funny, i was crying with laughter and my only regret was that we were leaving the next day and so couldn't go back.
5* One you'll want to see again and again 18 Aug 2006
reviewer: Kelly, United Kingdom
I saw this on Tuesday night and loved it so much I went back again on Wednesday even though there were other shows I wanted to see at the same time and I was going home on Thursday afternoon (and I noticed I wasn't the only audience member that did the same). It was a top top show with some real belly laughs, unpredictable twists and turns and fantastic quick witted performances from the entire cast. The singing was pretty damn impressive too!! Go and see it and I guarantee you'll want to go again.
5* Very Professional 18 Aug 2006
reviewer: Zelah, United Kingdom
As an improviser myself, it's great to see the way that these guys support and back each other on stage - something that ought not to be as rare as it is! One of the best hands-through games I've seen, well presented and some very funny moments. Well worth a visit!
3* Great technique! 18 Aug 2006
reviewer: Cecilia, United Kingdom
It was great technique compared to some of the rubbishy improvisation techniques out there by amateur "actors" wannabes! Well done and entertaining professionals.
5* How do they do it? 14 Aug 2006
reviewer: Ian, United Kingdom
Brilliant improvised comedy. The segment about flyerers on the Royal Mile was wickedly well observed. We saw the equivalent show twice last year, and weren't disappointed this. Great end to the day.
5* A Midsummer Night's Dram? 11 Aug 2006
reviewer: Chris & Hilary, United Kingdom
We'd watched Footlights Niceties earlier (another review) and after eating at Mamma Cherris were persuaded to try The Reduced Edinburgh Fringe Impro Show. It was truly hilarious. Fast-paced, witty, talented (dancing??, singing?, virtual instruments, COMIC, etc). On the basis of this performance, definitely worth seeing (probably every night!).
5* Really wicked! 07 Aug 2006
reviewer: Katy Schutte, United Kingdom
I loved this improvised comedy show! It was totally confident, brilliantly structured and there was no ego-battle (which I am now sick of seeing at these kind of shows). Well done!
5* ;-) 05 Aug 2006
reviewer: Shaun Mitchell, United Kingdom
Just one word... Ace!
5* Scratch Impro 05 Aug 2006
reviewer: Craig Wilmot, United Kingdom
I really enjoyed it. These guys are hilarious. I've been to see some of the other impro style shows already and these guys are my favorites so far. Even against the so called "top" group at the festival. Thanks for a great night guys!
5* Top Show!! 05 Aug 2006
reviewer: Emma King, United Kingdom
I saw the show on Thursday night and it was absolutely superb. The "Top Gun" narrative was particularly genius. I laughed so much a little wee came out... but I'm sure they have someone who cleans that up at the venue. I have been involved in impro myself and watched some of London's top groups and I tell you these guys are right up there with the best of them. With all the hundreds of shows to see on the fringe this year this is a must see. I'll definitely be going to see this one more than once!! Superb!
5* Excellent impro 05 Aug 2006
reviewer: Richard, UK
This was highly entertaining. These folks are quick witted, certainly on a par with anyone you'd see on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' See them slaughter your favourite Fringe show as they perform it with nothing to go on but the information in the Fringe guide and some audience suggestions.