The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy at The Little Theatre Leicester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Katy Nettleton
Seeking a burst of laughter to brighten your days? Look no further than ‘The Same Faces: Improvised Comedy’ at The Little Theatre in Leicester. This troupe of nine ingenious comedians, including the likes of Tom, George, Chris, Natalie, and more, will whisk you away into a world of spontaneous hilarity that’s bound to leave an imprint on your memory. The way I described it to my partner was “Think of a well-known comedy show on mainstream TV with a number of stand-up comedians been given different words to expand upon, and then you will be halfway there to the level of humour I experienced this evening.”
Approaching the show, I harboured some scepticism, often finding myself lost in the nuances of comedy. But ‘The Same Faces’ shattered these doubts effortlessly. The format is simple yet brilliant: seven or eight mini-games (depending on if you count the encore!) guided by audience-suggested quotes or keywords, turning the evening into a collaborative comedy fiesta. The comedians, masters of their craft, ensured an inclusive atmosphere, making the laughs accessible and enjoyable for all ages. The stage, likewise is simple with just chairs set out, but this added to the show, in a round-about way, as it truly brought the stage into the audience without any heavy lighting and a “them and us” atmosphere.
Their 2.25-hour spectacle, segmented by a welcome intermission, never felt dragging. In fact, the unique mix of sketches, melodious interludes, and snappy one-liners kept me longing for more. The synergy of the cast was palpable, with each comedian bringing a distinctive flair to the stage. Natalie’s vocal prowess was a standout for me, adding an unexpected yet delightful musical dimension to the evening.
The show’s orchestrator, Tom Young, deserves special mention. Doubling as compere and comedian, Tom’s passion for his art was infectious, setting the tone for an evening of genuine, heart-felt laughter. The music accompaniment was brilliant, especially with the use of the 2 keyboards (!) and really added another layer of artistic flair to the show and took many of the sketches and games to the next level of hilarity!
Revealing the specifics of the games and sketches would be a disservice to the show’s element of surprise. But rest assured, each performance is a unique concoction of improvisational genius. I’m already planning my next visit, curious to see how ‘The Same Faces’ reinvent their comedic canvas.
As a newcomer to comedy, I found the show’s humour perfectly balanced – not overly rude or political, but just right. My verdict: a resounding 4.5 out of 5. ‘The Same Faces’ is a comedic gem that deserves repeated visits. I cannot wait to go and watch Same Faces again, a true local gem that needs to be enjoyed and shared.
This show is must-see and will definitely be a highlight of the up-and-coming Leicester Comedy Festival. The Little Theatre is perfect venue for the show, small but yet filled with laughter creating a really happy atmosphere even before the show had started.
The tickets are available at www.thelittletheatre.co.uk or via the booking line (0116 2551302). With tickets starting at £10, it’s an experience that promises rich laughter without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out!
https://www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/the-same-faces-improvised-comedy/
Photo Credit: Luke Middleton
Rating: 4.5/5