Review: Paul Merton’s Impro Chums
May 27, 2008
Venue: The Lowry
Date Reviewed: 27th May, 2008
After all these years, Paul Merton still remains a comedy force to be reckoned with as a panelist on the hit BBC satirical show, Have I Got News For You. The capacity audience at the Lowry were ready to feel the force of his quick-fire humour which often has intelligence at its heart.
There were some great Merton-isms on display, including some warped and barbed comments aimed at Gordon Brown and many other news-worthy figures. But, overall because of the light approach of the concept, you end up feeling gently stroked by Merton & Co, when in reality, you long to have some real belly laughs.
In the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway, Paul and his guests improvise their way through a series of situations, many of which have been provided by the audience. To begin with, this works a treat, as we end up watching the equivalent of a parlour game, yet we take part also, shouting out suggestions, attempting to out-fox the comedians.
This is intelligently delivered by the likes of Mike McShane and Merton as they energetically throw each other curveballs, singing songs from an improvised musical about repossession, changing genres from Western to Bollywood in a matter of seconds. McShane, in particular is a delight to watch, as he clearly is a pro at improv.
But, during the second half, slight fatigue sets in, as the twee appeal of this type of comedy starts to wear very thin. There are some highlights, namely a spoof of the film Brief Encounter, for example, reimagined as a text enriched with rage. But, by the time we get to an expert talking about egg and spoon racing armadillos, the whole show starts to feel very smug and unengaging.
There are plenty of laughs to be had, but they are quite spaced out, depending on the topics that the audience give the team. Some elements of the show are extremely nostalgic, as I like many have fond memories of this type of comedy from the 1980’s and it still hits the spot, momentarily.
But, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums feels curiously dated and even though it’s a mildly diverting evening out, you know that seeing this comedian verbally sparring alongside the likes of Ian Hislop and Boris Johnson would be a great deal more satisfying, as a whole.
-Glenn Meads
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