This week the show that you must go and see is the short form improv troupe Punderstandably. Join them at the Nursery Theatre in Liverpool Street on the 7th of December as they take on the challenges that Improv Towers has to offer them. The show is being hosted by Punders member Ben Pearson who will be playing the Master of the Keys – we caught up with him to find out more about the show.

Tell us a little bit about your show?

It’s fun, it’s brilliant and it’s short form improv comedy.

How did you get into improv comedy?

I, like many improvisers, found improv through Whose Line is it Anyway. When at university I finally had the opportunity to perform it, I jumped in and haven’t looked back.

Who are your comedy inspirations and why?

Lately I’ve been really inspired by Rachel Bloom. Outside of improv, my favourite kind of comedy is musical and she is probably one of the modern bests at the moment, up there with Weird Al himself.

What are your favourite things about performing comedy to an audience and why? My favourite thing about performing improv is how collaborative it is. With stand up and sketch, it’s very performative in one direction, with the audience as spectators, upping the stakes of impressing them and doing a good show. But with improv, it’s so much more relaxed because the audience are way more invested, through their suggestions, to suggest well as you are to perform well. It’s a thrill!

There are apps now that allow you to do stand up or 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?

Improv is so reliant on an audience and the atmosphere in the room, I don’t think it would really work in VR. But I’m more than willing to give it a go!

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

If you want to find out more about Punders then you can go to these links!
Twitter: @PS_Improv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PSImprov/
Instagram: psimprov

If you want to follow me you can through my instagram @benshirtfriends for funny things

Finally in three words why should people come to your show?

Laughs tillya pee

QUICK FIRE ROUND – CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 

The best christmas present?

I once got a kilogram of peanut M&Ms. That was mad.

mince pies or christmas pudding?

both bad.

Favourite Christmas Song?

Father Christmas by the Kinks

Favourite Christmas Film?

Jingle All the Way

Name all of santas reindeers

Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, Comet… uh… Dave, Jeremiah and The Big Boy.

Who do you think would be the most difficult Punders to buy for?

Probably Mike because he seems too happy to need anything for Christmas… Almost suspiciously happy.