Soothplayers

One of the standout performers of the 2016 Melbourne Comedy Festival was the improv group Soothplayers, bringing a different performance and a completely different story to their hour-long performances. Improvisation is one thing but to improvise in a Shakespearean-set theme is another, which Soothplayers handled with class.

The show I was lucky enough to witness was called Ginger in Norway. Working off certain words chosen by the audience, they created a hilarious performance for everyone there. There were seven members on the stage who all played characters throughout the show. Working off timing and how the story is flowing, they entered and exited each scene as they pleased. The Soothplayers were dressed in black pants and a Shakespearean-style white blouse to aid the theme.

The Soothplayers work with each other with no blocking of ideas. If one of the seven members on stage suggests something, then they go with it. The amount of trust shown between all members on the stage was impeccable. They bring a whole new improv way to the improvisation and theatre community. Each player played a crucial part in making it work!

The skill set shown in the show was amazing; the performers rhymed in Shakespearean terminology, constantly thinking on their toes generating laughs at least every couple of minutes. The team worked well as a group and fed off each other to create a flowing story with ideas from the audience. This interactive show was filled with fun throughout.

This show was like no other improvised performance – the talent shined through!

You can catch the Soothplayers at their monthly residency at the Improv Conspiracy.

Soothplayers 
The Improv Conspiracy, Level 1/19 Meyers Place, Melbourne
Saturday, April 23 and Saturday, May 28, 7:00pm
improvconspiracy.com/shows/soothplayers