Paul Merton’s Impro Chums at Curve

With a little help from his friends

Last on a stage together in August 2019, nothing is going to prevent the on-the-spot, off-the-

cuff comedy antics of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums at Curve this May WORDS BY TOM YOUNG

It’s entirely possible that you’ve only ever seen Paul Merton – the muchloved team captain of Have I Got News For You – on television. That’s not unreasonable. Through that show, Merton has added a treasure trove of iconic moments to the vault of British comedy (who else could win a news quiz while partnered with a tub of lard?) But you’re missing out. Paul Merton’s Impro Chums (the touring off-shoot of The Comedy Store Players) are returning to Curve on May 22 with an entirely improvised comedy show. Merton, Suki Webster, Kirsty Newton and two Whose Line Is It Anyway? alums, Richard Vranch and Mike McShane, make up the team.

“What audiences like about what we do,” Merton tells Curve, “is that we haven’t lost our sense of play, our sense of fun. The sort of thing that gets knocked out of you because you have to get married or get a mortgage or find a job. We play and they enjoy watching us play.”

The show is made up of theatre games: improvised scenes and songs inspired by audience suggestions. It can be mesmerising to watch, and the beauty is in the silliness; if you’re used to Paul’s news-related output, don’t expect a lot of hard-hitting satire here.

“I think the particular form of comedy we do is about having fun and being silly,” says Webster. “It doesn’t lend itself to satire or indepth discussion on difficult subjects; the depth of it is in the joy and connection.”

Like most of the comedy industry, the Chums have been unable to tour during the pandemic, with this being their first time back out. “The thing I’ve missed is laughter,” says Vranch. “I’ve been watching a load of telly and there’s been wonderful stuff produced by an arts industry that’s having a hard time. But I’ve really missed laughing with mates on the way to – and on stage during – the gig.”

The audience is vital. The show is built for and by them and the team is thrilled to be re-establishing that connection. Webster added: “With our show it’s about everybody because their energy and their suggestions build it like no other show. When it goes right, everyone is involved and having a good time.”

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums visit Curve on Sunday, May 22. To find out more and book tickets, call Curve’s Box Office on 0116 242 3595 or visit curveonline.co.uk.