Improving our Improvisation

11 December 2020Zosia S, Hope ‘21

On Saturday night, Interhouse Captains rallied their teams to showcase their somewhat rehearsed Christmas/Hanukkah/Midwinter carols – acapella style. Crooks Hall was lit up by the angelic voices of Privett and Hope … and the other houses. It was truly a blessing to hear. What came after Interhouse Acapella, however, few people were aware of, for only the weirdest and bravest souls stayed to enjoy Interhouse Improv.

Refereed by the legendary Mr Rodrigues, Interhouse Improv began with a classic game of questions. Famously seen in the Tom Stoppard tragicomedy, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, the game of questions is exactly how it sounds: players challenge each other one by one, attempting to keep a scene going by only asking questions. There must be no statements nor repetition, and speed is essential. Alex/Whittall came first in this game thanks to the Queen of the Questions Game, Oli B, Alex ‘21, who explains that “Being weird, wacky, and quick on your feet is key to success.”

The second and final game was the classic improvised set scenario with a twist. Each brother/sister house was given a general scenario such as, “You walk into the cafe and you won’t believe what’s there” and they must work together to make it as entertaining as possible. With a minute or less of scene preparation, the actors must incorporate a set of surprise lines of dialogue which have been carefully crafted by the audience. All dialogue was appropriately silly. I, for example, found out – during the scene – that my reindeer might have Covid-19! This contest was adjudicated based on characterization, quality and unity.

Our Assistant Head Arts Prefect, Sloane J, Allard ‘21, announced the results during Thursday’s assembly. Mack/Ellis placed fourth (yay), Rogers/Allard, third (good for them!), Hope/Privett, second (not bad but not great), and Alex/Whittall, first (I guess they deserved it). From what I’ve heard, the audience enjoyed watching the event almost as much as the participants enjoyed embarrassing themselves. “The improv was hugely engaging and a great bonding experience for all houses” commented audience member and photographer Maddy W, Hope ‘21.

Despite Hope/Privett not winning, I think it is safe to say that it was all worth it for the laughs and the deep and philosophical questions about a pickle jar.

Full disclosure, this article may have been slightly biased.

Zosia S, Hope ‘21

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