I have not visited Granville Island’s Improv Theatre since pre-covid, seeing as this form of media involves social gathering. And all of that was l forbade during the duration of the word’s pandemic. So it was good to be able to be back today, for the debut of their newest show, at a special Thursday showing.
This is Tall Tales: The Quest Is Up To You! Running from June 29 – August 19, 2023.
It was nice to see the space was as I remembered it, but with a few new decorative updates. All together giving it a breathe of new life, for those who use to frequent.
Everything else is as I remembered. The show has the same impromptu acting and exaggerating that is the cornerstone of improv, but this time themed around Tall Tales. A family-friendly performance that allows you, the audience, to help guide a miscellaneous cast through an epic adventure. One where your suggestions are used to fill out a narrative that is built around a grandfather telling a bed time story to his granddaughter, and it eventually comes alive. The humour lies in spontaneity. And the best performers have the best recall memory.
And although I won’t be going to too much detail of the actual plot (as to not ruin it for you), it technically wouldn’t matter as the cast and suggestions, they act around, rotate and change from performer to performance. You could literally watch the show back to back to back, and each one would be a new experience. One where “The Quest Is Up To You!”
If attending a show, I recommend coming in earlier, not only to secure a parking spot on the island (but not too early as parking is only free after 6pm); but to be able to take in the bar as well. The Improv Theatre has happy hour discounts on drinks 30-60 minutes before each show, when they open. And you can enjoy them on their waterside patio.
Beer, wine, coolers, and snacks with standing room only. All of which you can also bring into the live theatre to sip and snack on during the duration of the show. And if you run out or short, they do have a mid point intermission that allows you to stock up.
For those interested in attending the show, it runs on Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7:30pm from June 30th through to August 19th. With a special opening weekend additional show during the Canada Day long weekend: Sunday, July 2 at 7:30pm.
Tickets start at $26.50 and are available online at www.theimprovcentre.ca or in person at the TIC Box Office.
The Improv Centre
1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3S4
604-738-7013
theimprovcentre.ca
