Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show at Lighthouse Poole Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
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Reviewed by Mel S-W
Paul Merton and Suki Webster’s Improv Show brought a sell-out crowd to Lighthouse Poole, and if you were lucky enough to be there, you’ll know it was a full-throttle, five-star performance. I laughed, I cried, and then I laughed some more. Honestly, if they’d offered a second show the next night, I’d have been first in line.
The evening was a masterclass in unscripted comedy. Following critically acclaimed runs in London and Edinburgh, Paul and Suki, two of the UK’s leading improvisers, delivered a show that was weird, wonderful, and wildly entertaining. Their chemistry was undeniable, their timing razor-sharp, and their ability to bounce off each other (and the audience) was nothing short of brilliant.
They kicked things off with a warm-up that split the audience in two, half for Paul, half for Suki, and got us shouting out meeting places, kitchen utensils, and rogue items of clothing. These suggestions became the backbone of their sketches, or “games,” which were introduced throughout the night. It didn’t take long for the crowd to get stuck in, and the energy in the room was electric.
Paul Merton’s comedy was smooth and lightning fast. With a CV longer than a giraffe’s neck, Have I Got News For You, Room 101, travel series, books, and more, he’s no stranger to thinking on his feet. It felt like his brain was already halfway through the punchline before we’d even finished shouting “colander!”
Suki Webster, founder member of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, has toured the world and co-starred in Motorhoming with Paul Merton and Suki Webster on Channel 5 in 2021 and 2023. She matched Paul beat for beat, and their rapport was so natural I’d love to be a fly on the wall at their family gatherings. She brought a sharp wit and a warm presence that made the audience feel instantly part of the fun.
Joining them were improv veterans Mike McShane and Steve Steen. Mike brought his American twang and some unexpectedly excellent dance moves. One standout moment? Mike and Suki riffing on Uber and taxis in the style of different theatre genres. Uber à la Cabaret? Comedy gold. Steve Steen rounded out the quartet with a hilarious game where an audience member had to physically move him and Suki around the stage. They could only move when directed, and the whole room was in stitches.
Another highlight was a scene set after a murder. Paul Merton played a young woman (yes, really), alongside a detective, a cop, and a mysterious man — but here’s the twist: they were all voicing each other. It was utter madness, with characters swapping voices mid-sentence and the plot spiralling into glorious chaos. The audience couldn’t keep up, and that was half the fun.
The show ran for around two hours with an interval, and I could’ve happily stayed for more. It must be exhausting to perform at that pace, but they made it look effortless. I’m only slightly gutted there wasn’t a second night, it would’ve been fascinating to see how a different audience shaped the chaos.
This show was a definite 5 out of 5 from me!
Tickets prices started at £30.80. Find out what else is coming up at Lighthouse by checking out their website https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/whats-on/ or calling the Box Office on 01202 280000
The full address is Lighthouse, Arts and Entertainment, 21 Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 1UG
Rating: 5/5