The Improverts: A History of Edinburgh's Premier Improv Troupe
In the heart of Scotland's capital, a legacy of spontaneous laughter and creative chaos has flourished for decades. The Improverts, a renowned improvised comedy troupe, has become a staple of the Edinburgh performance scene, blending competitive spirit with artistic agility.
The Origins of the Troupe
The group was founded in 1989 by Toph Marshall, a Canadian-born performer and member of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company. Initially, the troupe was named Theatresports, drawing direct inspiration from the competitive improvisation format developed by director Keith Johnstone in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, in 1976.
As the show's popularity surged, the group encountered copyright challenges during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. This led to a series of name changes, briefly becoming "Impro-Vegetables" before finally settling on The Improverts during the 1990s. The name was officially adopted as a permanent, year-round brand in September 1997.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Performance and Recruitment
Since its inception, the troupe has maintained a long-standing relationship with the Bedlam Theatre, which serves as its primary performance space. The group operates on a consistent schedule, performing weekly during the Edinburgh University term time and expanding its reach during the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe.
To maintain a fresh energy, new players are recruited annually. While the troupe draws heavily from the student population, recruitment is not exclusive to students. However, a strict requirement remains: every performer must be a member of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company. To foster new talent and engage the community, the troupe offers free weekly improvisation workshops open to the general public.
Artistic Style and Format
The Improverts continue to uphold the teachings of Keith Johnstone, focusing on short-form improvisation—a style characterized by quick, sketch-like games and prompts. This format is closely aligned with the style seen in popular television programs such as Whose Line is it Anyway?, where performers create scenes on the spot based on audience suggestions.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1989 |
| Founder | Toph Marshall |
| Primary Venue | Bedlam Theatre |
| Affiliation | Edinburgh University Theatre Company |
| Style | Short-form improvisation |
Key Facts
- Founded in 1989 by Canadian-born Toph Marshall.
- Originally named Theatresports, then Impro-Vegetables, before becoming The Improverts in September 1997.
- Based primarily at the Bedlam Theatre.
- All performers must be members of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company.
- Offers free weekly workshops to the general public to attract new talent.
- Follows the short-form sketch mould established by Keith Johnstone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The Improverts?
The troupe was founded in 1989 by Toph Marshall, who was born in Canada.
What is the relationship between The Improverts and the Edinburgh University Theatre Company?
The Improverts is part of the Edinburgh University Theatre Company, and all players in the troupe are required to be members of the company.
Where does the troupe typically perform?
Their primary performance space is the Bedlam Theatre, where they perform weekly during university term time and during the Edinburgh Fringe.
What style of comedy do they perform?
They specialize in short-form improvisation, a sketch-like format similar to the TV show Whose Line is it Anyway?, based on the teachings of Keith Johnstone.
Can non-students join the troupe?
Yes, while recruitment is largely from the student population, it is not exclusive to them. The group also provides free weekly workshops for the general public to find new talent.