Improvised Musical Performances: What Did You Want To Be When You Grew Up?
Reimagining Lives
one song at a time
Review: Chesham Fringe Festival
About Adlibretto Impro
My first stop on the inaugural festival day was AdLibretto at the Little Theatre by the Park. They perform one-off original musicals based, in true improvisational comedy fashion, off spontaneous suggestions from the audience. So no script, no pre-agreed lyrics or plot, just very clever, off the cuff comedy and storytelling infused with songs made up on the spot!
Today's show was, to coin a title, 'Bins and Entertainment', about a French street performer called Marcel who upsets the 'boring' town of Chesham whose residents have an aversion to street performance of any kind (lots of tongue in cheek humour here for the local audience and their first fringe!), but eventually he finds a welcome place in the town working on the bins. Fear not: spoilers have no consequence here as this particular show will never be seen again!
And that is one of the major charms of AdLibretto. Everything you watch is unique, bespoke, spontaneous, and one off. The cast work playfully and confidently together, and are generous in creating space for each other, opening up imaginative possibilities and keeping the ball bouncing (or the rubbish juggling in tonight's particular show).
Led by Neil Goulder, this is a funny, clever, engaging hour of entertainment with a truly talented pianist who keeps the musical energy going with mood enhancing instrumentals and improvised accompaniments ranging over a wide span of styles. Definitely one to catch if they return next year!
Alexander Williams
https://watfordfringereviews.blogspot.com/2024/05/review-ad-libretto.html
“The cast work playfully and confidently together”
The AdLibretto Cast
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
... has created improvised musicals for several years with groups such as Multiverse and Wax Lyrical, and performs shortform with Unbound Theatre in Aylesbury. He sings with London Show Choir and The Jupiter Singers, and has supported tours by Russell Watson, Kerry Ellis and Derren Brown. Neil is officially Britain's Funniest Accountant.
Hannah Warman
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
... is a comedian, singer, improviser and writer who has performed and produced shows all over the UK. Her comedy music videos have been featured on Funny Or Die, the Metro, the Standard and the Daily Mail, and her song ‘Merry Christmas (Don’t be a D)’ was voted number one comedy Christmas song by Union Jack radio and featured on Chortle.
Jimmy Hook
Neil Goulder (Artistic Director)
Jimmy Hook
... has spent the last 15 years slowly graduating from acting in traditional plays and musicals over to the London impro and standup scene.
Chiggins
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
... is a performer and choreographer from Scotland, specializing in impro and improv techniques. With over 5 years of experience in performing improvised musicals, she has trained with Hoopla, Track 96, and the FA. Her impressive resume includes live performances with Off-Stave, Acaprov, and the Untitled Rap Group, showcasing her talents in improvised singing.
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
... has performed in scripted musicals and plays with SEDOS, KDC Theatre, and Beijing Playhouse, and also participates in barbershop groups. He has honed his skills in musical improv, including improvised musicals, through training with Showstoppers, Hoopla, and The Maydays, enhancing his ability for live performances and improvised singing.
Miriam Hall
Lizzie Winkler
Lizzie Winkler
... is an improviser with rap group Track 96 and short form troupe Gämez She has previously performed with groups in Singapore (The Improvables), Beijing (Beijing Improv) and Sheffield (The Shrimps).
Lizzie Winkler
Lizzie Winkler
Lizzie Winkler
... has trained with Showstoppers and showcases her talent in character improv with The Non-Recyclables, where she brings her skills in improvised musicals and improvised singing to life during live performances. You may have also spotted her in No Time To Die or Upstart Crow.
Our Musical Directors
Andrew Macmillan
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
Tav (James Taverner)
Richard Jones
Kausikan (Kaus) Rajeshkumar
Kausikan (Kaus) Rajeshkumar