Avocado Presents: Improv Comedy at Barons Court Theatre

Avocado Presents: Improv Comedy is a charming improv duo consisting of Hamza Mohsin and Jake Migicovsky. Working entirely off their own backs without audience cues, their act consists of several short sketches that deal mainly with real-life scenarios taken into an absurdly comedic direction.

Since their act features several short sketches, there is little thematic or narrative consistency throughout, although they do try to tie the first and last sketches together somewhat, which provides a sense of closure.

The sketches themselves can be a bit hit-and-miss. The odd one might just fizzle out and feel incomplete; but at other times the scenarios and characters work harmoniously and flow neatly, with one fantastic line following the next. It is in these moments that the improv really shines and the audience sees why it is such a popular form of theatre at the moment.

The ensemble captures the true spirit of improv: it’s great to observe how the narrative strands come out of sheer accidents. A slightly slow reaction to someone throwing something may be taken as the glass shattering, or one of them stumbling over their own words can be taken to mean the character is drunk for the rest of the sketch. The liberty of short sketches also allows them to avoid falling into narrative clichés that a longer form might demand.

But it’s important to note that improv is quite a different experience from traditional theatre. With a lack of direction, overarching idea or narrative strand, it never quite feels like a cohesive whole. Instead, Avocado Presents: Improv Comedy feels much more personal, like the narrative is growing and coming together in a private setting. It has a much more homely feel to it – and when that works, it feels endearing.

At just £10 for an hour’s worth of improv in the tight space at Baron’s Court Theatre, Avocado Presents: Improv Comedy is well worth a visit. It’s an innocent bit of comedy and excellent to have a bit of a laugh.

Michael Higgs
Image: Andy Commons

Avocado Presents: Improv Comedy is at Barons Court Theatre every Thursday. For further information visit the theatre’s website here.