This weeks show of the week is a much loved show that is returning for the first time this improv season. This Wednesday, Story Kitchen host Theatresports this time with a Star Wars theme so it is actually called Theatresports: Return of the Impro Jedi. The doors open at 7:30pm at The Miller London Bridge. I spoke to Story Kitchens Faye to find out more.

Hello!  Tell us a little bit about your show?

The show format was devised by Keith Johnstone and is essentially teams of improvisers challenging each other to scenes to score points awarded by judges. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins the trophy. This is the most basic definition though – really it’s about great storytelling, teamwork and giving the audience a great time.

How did you get into improv comedy?

I started improv in Dubai about six years ago with a group of friends in our director’s living room – eight of us and ‘Impro for Storytellers’ as our teacher. We taught ourselves and it grew from there. Massively! I left Dubai 2 years ago and we were already doing weekly shows at our own theatre, The Courtyard Playhouse… I’ve just got back from their first improv festival, where that same group now runs classes, workshops, shows 3 nights a week, and has a main theatre and a studio theatre catering to schools and youth teams. It’s incredibly inspiring.

Who are your comedy inspirations and why?

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey – amazing improvisers and talented performers. Although I have to say most of my inspiration comes from the improvisers I meet across the world – I worked with Impro Theater from LA while I was in Dubai and they were incredible. Such attention to detail and meticulous experts of their craft.

What are your favourite things about performing comedy to an audience and why?

I prefer to say I perform ‘truth’ which can sometimes be very funny of course, but other times be touching or shocking even. My favourite part of performing for an audience is when they react honestly in return, with an ‘ahh’ or a gasp of breath, or when they say they were moved by something. That’s the magic, for me – not the one liners. Although getting a big laugh is a pretty good time for my ego 😉

There are apps now that allow you to do stand up or improv comedy in virtual reality to real audiences – do you think this is going to have an effect on how comedy is performed in the future and why?

I’m sure people will use apps and so on but I’m old fashioned and like a live audience. Or being part of a live audience. Improv is never as good on film as it is in the moment!

Whats the best piece of advice you have been given about performing comedy?

My friend Anne McMaster from Canada once said to me ‘No one else has your type of funny except you. Your funny is unique. Celebrate that.’ I thought that was pretty good advice.

If anyone wants to find out any more about you or the show where can they visit?

They can find us at www.storykitchenimpro.com or on Facebook as Story Kitchen Impro or @improkitchen on twitter. And our show is listed on the Hoopla website and you can book tickets there. www.hooplaimpro.com

In three words why should people come to your show?

Different. Crazy. Real.

 Quick fire round Star Wars themed 

Best villain?

Darth Vadar.

Would you rather be a Stormtrooper or Boba Fett?

A Storm Trooper

Luke or Han Solo?

Han Solo.

R2D2 or BB8?

R2D2 (am I showing my age yet?)

Best film and why?

Ooo I really liked the last one actually – The Force Awakens.

If you had to be best buds with a person from Star Wars who would it be and why?

Han Solo. Because he’s Han Solo.

Ja ja binks – yay or nay?

No thank you!