12.98°C Described as one of Latin America’s soapiest exports, this improvised Telenovela was a real treat. Performed at The Dragonfly Lounge, the show used audience suggestions to dictate the plot and location of the passion, drama and humour that would unfold. At the performance I attended, this meant sex, murder, nudity and passion in a church setting had to be cleverly woven into the plot by this talented troupe.
All five performers were of a high standard, and this is the secret of a really good improv show – it’s only as strong as its weakest link, and there were no weak links here. The show rattled along, with excellent musical accompaniment by a talented guitarist, and you could tell that the troupe were enjoying themselves, which transmitted effortlessly to the audience and made for an excellent afternoon’s entertainment. The plot grew ever more ridiculous as the performers bounced ideas off one another, with suggestions flowing seamlessly throughout. Characters returning from the dead (that would never happen in a soap opera, of course!), unlikely love matches, and violent encounters were all played with style and great physicality.
Congratulations to director Jayda Fogel and the rest of the team for making improv look simple and hilarious. It was a highlight of this year’s Colchester Fringe.
Review by Tim Young.
