Soon to return with the ambitious yet incredible feat of a 50-hour comedy improvathon, the whirlwind concept combines over 50 of the world's best performers in the genre with unfathomable amounts of sleep deprivation. In doing so, a completely unique production, set in Paris’ most notorious club, is formed right before your eyes: a special, one-off experience for all those involved.
Despite the continuity throughout, the show is comprised of 2-hour episodes, meaning you can drop by and watch for just a little, or stay determinedly for the whole thing! Ali James and Adam Meggido have the job of directing the epic event, telling us more about this role.
Why are you drawn to working on this ambitious project, and what excites you most about taking it on?
Ali: The Improvathon is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. The closest thing I can liken it to is going in a single rollercoaster car with lots of people you love all at the same time. I believe, once we pass through the gates (that’s when tiredness takes over and your inner critic is silent), we make some of the best theatre I’ve ever seen for our audiences. The ultimate feeling of being in the moment for storytellers.
Adam: I imported the event from Edmonton, Canada, where they have a 53 hour ’Soapathon.’ Some of us were able to take part in it. It was joyous and a big part of my introduction to the world of improvised performance. So we launched the London 50 Hour Improvathon in 2008 and have been doing it ever since. In fact, I have an unofficial world record having directed 55 hours in Toronto in 2013! I’ve gone the distance as a performer and a director many times. It has changed my outlook on theatre completely.
Some people come and watch all 50 hours. Some come and go. Some drop in for any stand alone episode. Many people - performers and audiences alike - have described it as ‘life-changing.’ I love juggling all the storylines live over a weekend. I love the world-building element of it. Like watching all six seasons of your favourite show over two days and nights. Plus it's just huge fun.
Now in its 15th year, what makes both audiences and performers want to keep coming back for more?
Ali: It is addictive; not just the hilarity and “you had to be there” moments, but the magic of a communal awakening, performers and audience alike. Awakening in an emotional sense, we’re very much half awake in literal terms.
Adam: New performers joining the well-known regulars. Each year the setting changes - this year it's Moulin Rouge meets The Greatest Showman in a fabulous nightclub, Paris, 1900. Who knows what will happen? When a performer has been awake for more than 30 hours the part of their brain that censors them goes to sleep, resulting in a wild and euphoric performance style that you cannot see anywhere else in the world.
What’s the biggest difference between directing a traditional improv show and one of this scale?
Ali: The scope of talent and experience with this size cast; everyone brings different strengths to the show which we celebrate with abandon. Watching the performers inspire each other is very affirming and I feel privileged to help shape their characters’ stories in the moment.
Adam: It’s a great privilege to have so many of the world’s greatest improvisers all playing the same games, building the same world, looking for the most hilarious, most moving, most surprising, most joyous storylines you could imagine. I tend simply to call the start of a scene and let the actors take it from there. Then I make notes about what to come back to or what to develop later. It’s like driving a train while laying the tracks at the same time. I love it.
How do you prepare yourselves and the performers for a piece so extensive?
Ali: Personally, stay fit and hydrated for weeks beforehand. I offer wellbeing tips and stretching throughout, which I personally couldn’t do without. And check ins, make someone a cup of tea, have a hug or a simple smile across the room during a break can motivate someone to keep going. Sharing ups and downs is encouraging.
Adam: You can’t. It’s a beast. I'll be exhausted after 6 hours and still have 44 to go.
But we have a lot of check-ins and pastoral care available. Those playing for more than 12 hours have a ‘buddy’ who can help them through the side effects of sleep deprivation.
Do you notice different audience dynamics at different times of day or night?
Ali: Yes, the evening show Friday and Saturday audiences always have an electric kind of “theatre with a twist” vibe, whereas the overnighters are the hardcore. Who I love! The family friendly shows are a pure fresh joy whilst the finale episodes can be emotional and spectacular.
Adam: It depends where we are. We did the event once in Cork, Ireland, and the through-the-night crowd was bigger and more raucous than anything in the daytimes. If you have been out late to the pub or the club and want to keep your night going, come to The Pleasance and be entertained for as many hours as you can stay awake for!
What are the most challenging aspects of coordinating this event, and how do you overcome these?
Ali: I try to make sure everyone has all the information they need months ahead of time as the experience can sometimes be overwhelming in the moment so some lead time to prepare for how the show works and what may be required of you is useful. It’s an international event and all performers (especially those who are new to the show or from outside the UK) must be cared for.
Adam: Catering! We have to feed everyone. 'An army marches on its stomach.’ Our excellent office team, duty managers, and volunteers have to look after everyone for long stretches of time. It certainly helps that we have run the event many times before. It's more work than a wedding. (Trust me, I have organised both).
How do you balance giving the performers freedom while maintaining some level of cohesion and structure?
Ali: The perimeters of each episode helps. We know we’ll play for 100 minutes, that the next episode must start on the next odd numbered hour and we know the character names and their current state of being. Everything else is up for grabs. And boy, do they grab it with both hands!
Adam: I trust their skill. We all trust each other. If things go crazy we lean into it. But most people will be surprised at the sheer quality of the drama and comedy that can be unlocked. There will be some strange and surreal moments for sure, but there will be amazing scenes that won’t look like improv at all. You can't be ‘whacky' for 50 hours. You find surprisingly moving and startling moments.
How would you sum up the experience of directing a 50-hour improv show?
Ali: Wild
Adam: Sheer f**king joy!
Thanks so much to Ali and Adam for your fantastic contributions to this - best of luck with the impressive endeavour!
4th-6th April
Pleasance, London
Get your tickets here:
Additional thanks to Laura Norton for coordinating this interview.
Comments