Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Improvising on stage is one thing; doing it in fluent Shakespearean verse is an entirely different beast. ShakeItUp nails the challenge. With each performance being unique taken from audiences suggestions in the room.
It begins with the suggestion of genre, either comedy, history and tragedy. Then once this has been decided, there’s the location and the main character plucked from the audience shoutout.
At the performance we attended, we were treated to a ShakeItUp first, a play set in an airport. Our play entitled Matt the 23rd of Heathrow. Offering a hilarious and at times dark revenge plot against the reigning monarch of Heathrow. The whole piece rightly feels like a plot the Bard himself could have written.
To add further to the chaos of the improv, before the show all audience members are given a chance to suggest ‘complete the sentence’ slips which are pulled out at random throughout the show. This adds some real silliness, and whilst not all of these land or work, other more unhinged suggestions bring big laughs.
The cast of four all bring their own unique skills to the performance. The two male performers are particularly strong throughout, they have an ease when together and bounce of each other with great skill to their improv. The two female characters deliver a colourful array of more side characters, ranging from a frankly iconic Body Shop owner to Clarence, who despite their ability to be late to orchestra practice, often brought a fun musical flair.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
ShakeItUp: The Improvised Shakespeare Show runs at Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon Teviot until Monday 31st August 2026. For tickets visit https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shakeitup-the-improvised-shakespeare-show
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