Fail like an improviser: the trick of comic improv

Abstract

It has become evident that the sacrosanct rules of improvisational theatre are being revisited through contemporary practice. Yet, in Britain, Improv comedy often continues to be studied from the point of view of existing literature which dates back to the 50 s and 70 s. At a time where the Arts are being challenged by world events and their future has to be reimagined, it is more important than ever to consider the new over the established. As such, I present an alternative approach to what Keith Johnstone considers the ideal of improvisational theatre: a seamless narrative, that neither shows nor lets in any form of vulnerability. While I propose a dialogue with this existing literature, I also specifically challenge Johnstone in demonstrating that there does exist a performance of failure in improvisational comedy. Such a performance carefully influences the audience to believe the performer is in difficulty before they masterly recover, creating a strong impact and weaving vulnerability as a compositional tool into their artistry. Using examples of contemporary British improv, including unique primary material I gathered from personal interviews with practitioners, I bring to the fore new knowledge of what makes the expertise of improvisers.