Whose Line is it Anyway? first made it onto our small screens in 1988 having started life on BBC Radio 4. Channel 4 went on to pick up the television tab and 10 series and 136 episodes later it has remained in the hearts of many as one of the funniest comedy shows ever made. The American version continued to run until 2007.
My big love was no doubt enhanced due to the arrival of small people in our household circa 1988 – their birth meant that social life was more limited and Whose Line was a guaranteed laugh-a-minute highlight of my television viewing week. So, getting to see the revived stage version featuring four of the original cast as seen on British TV was a rare treat.
Greg Proops, Colin Mochrie and Josie Lawrence are all back in the comedy saddle with Clive Anderson holding the reins at the Adelphi Theatre until 5th July. The addition of Brad Sherwood and musicians from the US version of the live show adds to the pleasure.
Improv is one of my most favourite comedy genres. The good stuff looks truly effortless and requires a level of skill and confidence that only comes from hours of practice and a passion for performing on stage.
Seasoned improvisers such as the Whose Line crew give credence to the phrase ‘you couldn’t make it up’ and I can guarantee you will leave the theatre having had a full body work out from laughing so much, unless your first language isn’t English of course! Some of the best comedy is created ‘in the moment’ so this show is highly recommended if you ever doubted this fact.
Whose Line has influenced so many people even though the last UK series was made in 1999. The games and set ups are now ‘text book’ for today’s new generation of improvisers so do go see the masters (and the mistress) of the genre in action while you can.
Whose Line is it Anyway? Live runs to Sunday 5th July. Tickets available here.
If you fancy some improv fun yourself, we have our very own Funny Women Improv Workshop this coming Saturday 4th July between 11.00am and 1.00pm at the Betsey Trotwood in Farringdon, just £25 (concs and Funny Friends £20). Book here or just show up on the day with your cash!
Plus we have two free places to give away if you can name both the women improvising with Josie Lawrence (front) in the above picture from the television programme. Email info@funnywomen.com or Tweet us your answer at @funnywomen.
