Improvised Couples Therapy from Kristen Costello and Friends is a relationship seminar hosted by Rebah (Kristen Costello), and whoever she’s dating, which that afternoon was Deborah (Pat Cognato). What follows is fifty minutes of wacky therapy, including our hosts acting out the audience’s problems and even bringing two singletons together. The show ends with everyone getting up and dancing to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up as all relationship ills are cured.
The show is a masterclass in improv: Costello and Cognato perfectly capture the slightly eccentric couple you see on a morning TV segment on relationships. Call backs are prominent throughout, proving Costello and Cognato’s wit and versatility, as they take audience member’s spaghetti cravings, eBay habits, and ideal partners and make it into enjoyable dialogue.
This isn’t the kind of show where you sit quietly in the back, even if you’re single. You’ll be asked to raise your hands and possibly be paired with someone. You get the chance to be a part of Rebah and Deborah’s hilarious antics with the audience, as you and your partner can air some light-hearted dirty laundry.
However, this means you won’t want to attend alone. Most people will be less likely to participate if paired with a stranger, which may take away from some of the fun. However, that’s always one of the risks that come with improv shows.
Bring your friends, your partner and, if you’re feeling bold, your situationship. Improvised Couples Therapy is an afternoon well spent; you’ll leave dancing to Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up with some added clarity on your relationship problems.
Improvised Couples Therapy is running until 29 August (not 23) at Lime Studio at Greenside @ George Street.
Buy tickets here.
Image by Michael McFadden, provided to The Student as press material.
