| Improsapien | Jimmy James Eaton |
| Written by Paul Kooperman |
| Thursday, 23 April 2009 20:05 |
 Surprising start to a show when it’s supposed to be improvised yet begins with a recorded voice-over. Though I guess improvisation is also about, other than making stuff up on the spot, expecting the unexpected, so what better way to kick the show off!?Improsapien is a cross between Playback Theatre, Theatre Sports and stand up comedy. Jimmy James calls for suggestions from the audience – memories, regrets, highlights, fears and dreams – and replays these moments of our lives, incorporating sounds, scenery, random movie lines, quotes or song lyrics (chosen by the audience before entering the space) into the action, while chipping in with gags, impersonations, anecdotes and political satire along the way. The content rose and fell on the suggestions made and how Jimmy developed the audience’s cherished life moments into entertainment. The ‘playback’ was often funny, sometimes average, occasionally confusing, usually superficial and generally strange, but isn’t that the very nature of improvisation? When a performer is prepared to put everything on the line, throw the script away and work their proverbial butt off to deliver (respectfully) fun, fast snip-isodes of the lives of the people in the audience (with hyper-techno surround sound and visual effects), the audience can be very forgiving. And they were. Jimmy James is a likeable, experienced, super energetic, wonderful performer and gets better with every show. With each trip East (from Perth), he further secures his rightful place in the Melbourne (and Australian) comedy scene and I urge you to go see him, so you can say you knew he was good before he hits the dizzy heights of Rove or Good News Week. Dogs Of Invention presents Jimmy James Eaton Improsapien Venue: Portland Hotel - Locker Room | Cnr Russell & Lt Collins Sts, Melbourne (Licensed venue. Under 18s must be accompanied by a Parent or Legal Guardian) Dates: 2 - 25 April Times: Tue - Sat 9.45pm, Sun 8.45pm Duration: 55 minutes Prices: Full $20, Concession $18 Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 660 013 | at the door
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