Improv is a risky game, you never quite know what’s going to happen. But 3, an improv show from The Free Association, took a gamble and won big.
A simple but effective premise, three performers improvise three scenes, based of three audience-provided words, using three moveable blocks to create a set, a prop, or whatever is needed. They really went to town with that magic number. What is produced is a chaotic culmination of creativity and humour.
Having got over the discomfort of sitting back in a 40 George Square Lecture Theatre outside of term time, the ensuing hour transported me to Southern 1850s America, Finchley Council and (I think) some form of a Scandinavian yoga class. Three drastically different settings, arising from the words “apricot”, “mayor” and “flamingo”, yet throughout the comic scenes, a thread was skilfully sewn to connect them, resulting in a final showdown between the wolf-men at Finchley council and a Scandinavian hippie. You really had to be there (But the good news is you can be – it’s on until 26 August, although each show will naturally be different).
As each scene slowly started, I held my breath at the start, not quite believing they could conjure something up from such an obscure, singular starting point. Yet each time they did, and as ideas formed the scene became more structured, and the lines more unbelievable by the minute.
The three improvisors are drawn from a larger cast, and include a special guest. I had the joy of seeing the wildly impressive Graham Dickson and Lola-Rose Maxwell, joined by Ambika Mod (of One Day fame) who dazzled, each portraying a plethora of different characters that showcased their versatility and skill as improvisers and actors. Upcoming special guests include Casey Feigh, from Holy Shit Improv, will be joining as the special guest on 23 August.
Dynamic, hilarious and unpredictable, 3 is a Fringe must.
3 is on at 15:40 in Assembly George Square Studio Two until 26 August.
Buy tickets here.
Image via Assembly Press Office