A spontaneous comedy led by the audience
Led by the audience choosing the location, decade, and title of the play, two of the UK’s most sought-after improvisers, Lola-Rose Maxwell (Starstruck, The Now Show) and Charlie Kemp (Man Down, Austentatious) perform The Improvised Play, a comedy show entirely made up on the spot. The concept, originated by the duo at The Royal Court in 2022, opens with Lola-Rose and Charlie taking suggestions to form the anatomy of the show and from this they create an entire play. Crafted by the audience, the direction of the play’s narrative could be anything from a two-hander in a 1980s Texan oil rig, to a multiple-role side-splitting farce in a London brothel in the 1600s. With no two shows ever the same, in this spontaneous comedy the possibilities are as varied as the imaginations of the audience.
Co-creators Lola-Rose Maxwell and Charlie Kemp said, “We're absolutely delighted to be bringing The Improvised Play to Arcola Theatre this Spring! Live improvised comedy is more popular now than ever before in the UK, and it is a privilege to present our favourite show to new audiences. Watching improv is being part of something totally original, spontaneous, and risky! We're hopeful the theatre goers will fall in love with improv... as well as us personally of course!”
Lola-Rose Maxwell is an actor, writer, improviser, and director most well known for her sketches with Stevie Martin which have gained over 30 million views across social media. Charlie Kemp studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art before appearing in the Sky One comedy series Is Harry on The Boat.
Company information
Created by Lola-Rose Maxwell and Charlie Kemp, Producer Billie Hakansson
Cast: Lola-Rose Maxwell, Charlie Kemp
The Improvised Play: 5th – 9th March 2024
Venue: Arcola Theatre, 24 Ashwin Street, London E8 3DL
Further Information: Trailblazing theatre for All - Arcola Theatre