Courtney Rose Brown
Taking Off the Bird Suit, is an improvised show (that rests very comfortably as part of the NZ International Comedy Festival) featuring the talents of an all female improv troupe! Staring Alayne Dick, Clare Kerrison, Dianne Pulham, Gabby Anderson, Harriet Hughes, Josephine Byrnes, Kate Wilson, Maria McWilliams and Susan Williams.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, welcomes the audience in as the MC (and also director of the troupe) to a very energetic and nearly full house. O’Sullivan placed an energy on top of this, creating a supportive and enthusiastic environment as she mentioned the range in experience of the improvisers.
Jennifer O’Sullivan, welcomes the audience in as the MC (and also director of the troupe) to a very energetic and nearly full house. O’Sullivan placed an energy on top of this, creating a supportive and enthusiastic environment as she mentioned the range in experience of the improvisers.
The troupe is built up of nine performers, which for the hour long show seems ambitious. It really is the luck of the draw, with some having plenty of stage time and others practically none. I would recommend either having about five performers or if the purpose is to bring more female improvisers to the stage (which is great), perhaps the idea of smaller groups that cycle throughout the nights.
Dianne Pulham was definitely a stand out of the opening night’s performance, where her energy and enthusiasm created strong characterisations, generating emotive responses from the audience as well as laughter. Clare Kerrison is also someone to watch out for, she had a lovely performance style, with witty one liners. Although Maria McWilliams had minimal stage time and for most of that she played a cat, her commitment was admirable and humorous as well as generous to the scene. Susan Williams and Alayne Dick also had moments of interaction together that were charming and delightful. Unfortunately, others were not presented with much opportunity to fully present their comedic skill, which will undoubtedly change throughout the season.
The decision to revisit scenarios that worked well in earlier parts of the show, did create some truly delightful moments. However, it almost felt that they were returned to as a point of safety and I would have liked to have seen other games or methods explored as well, mainly because I craved to see more cast interaction.
Taking Off the Bird Suit, was impressive in terms of content as it never moved in a way to target and put down others in attempts to get easy laughs. The troupe undeniably has strong cast chemistry, brilliant comedic timing and a loving energy which is enchanting to watch.
The rest of the season continues on till the 14th of May and is not one to miss! Showing at BATS Theatre, in the Propellor Stage at 6.30pm and all the proceeds go to Wellington Women’s Refuge.
For ticket details see: http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/taking-off-the-bird-suit/
Dianne Pulham was definitely a stand out of the opening night’s performance, where her energy and enthusiasm created strong characterisations, generating emotive responses from the audience as well as laughter. Clare Kerrison is also someone to watch out for, she had a lovely performance style, with witty one liners. Although Maria McWilliams had minimal stage time and for most of that she played a cat, her commitment was admirable and humorous as well as generous to the scene. Susan Williams and Alayne Dick also had moments of interaction together that were charming and delightful. Unfortunately, others were not presented with much opportunity to fully present their comedic skill, which will undoubtedly change throughout the season.
The decision to revisit scenarios that worked well in earlier parts of the show, did create some truly delightful moments. However, it almost felt that they were returned to as a point of safety and I would have liked to have seen other games or methods explored as well, mainly because I craved to see more cast interaction.
Taking Off the Bird Suit, was impressive in terms of content as it never moved in a way to target and put down others in attempts to get easy laughs. The troupe undeniably has strong cast chemistry, brilliant comedic timing and a loving energy which is enchanting to watch.
The rest of the season continues on till the 14th of May and is not one to miss! Showing at BATS Theatre, in the Propellor Stage at 6.30pm and all the proceeds go to Wellington Women’s Refuge.
For ticket details see: http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/find-a-show/taking-off-the-bird-suit/
