Improv for Kids
The Improvisors
Circa Theatre, Wellington
7 -18 April (no Sunday performance)
$10 per person
I’m liking
Live theatre doesn’t come much fresher or funnier than Improv for Kids. Each show is created on the spot by three talented actors using a variety of theatre sports games and their young audience’s suggestions. Actors Kenny King, Cath Hardy and Simon Haren of The Improvisors , transformed these often leftfield suggestions into an hour of kid-friendly hilarity. Keyboardist Cam Crawford and lighting whizz Uther Dean ably assisted in creating a dynamic and engaging show.
You never quite know where you’ll end up at an Improv for Kids show, and today’s adventure took us Justin Bieber-hunting with a trio of hapless superheroes, then to a five-year old birthday party where audience members were transformed into cakes, knives and bikes, and a Easter holiday gone bad in Foxton. It’s a world of creativity, fun and silliness that kids love.
Things that made me go hmmmm
Audience participation is the name of the game, so the success of each show depends on its audience. The volume and enthusiasm of the crowd was definite proof the show was a winner, however it was deafening at times and hard to hear the performers.
My three year old loved the last Improv for Kids show we went to, but today’s gags were a bit over his head. My seven year old, however, loved it and it was definitely pitched at the seven to early teen audience.
The conclusion
Improv for Kids is always a fun outing and a highly recommended way to keep older children entertained during this rainy school holiday.
