Welcome to a special themed set of interviews for the lead up to Christmas – celebrating all the wonderful festive shows that are on this year. I have sat down with a bunch of troupes to find out more about the shows that they are performing.

Today we speak to Newcastle based Improv Troupe Spontaneous Wrecks who are performing their Christmas show at The Bridge Hotel on the 5th of December. I caught up with Geoff to find out all about it.

Hello Geoff tell us all about Spontaneous Wrecks?

We are a fun group of improvisational performers that met over 4 years ago doing what we love best. Our improv comedy is based on games similar to the style of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?”. We have a show every month at the Bridge Hotel in Newcastle and next month is our Christmas Show on 5th December called, “Improv All The Way”.

What is the show that you are bringing to the stage in this Festive season?
Improv All The Way

Will there be a bit of festivity in your show?
Absolutely! Mince pies and holiday themed improv with Christmas jumpers.

What are your favourite things about the festive season and why?
I personally like the opportunity to see friends and family. Christmas is a time to be thankful for the ones you love.

This time of year the venues tend to be a bit busier as well – do you find that the audience changes at all?

We have lots of people that are regular fans but there are always new faces at each show. We have a 2 for £5 deal so you can bring a friend to share the festive silliness.

What advice would you give for people performing around the festive season – is it important to drop a Christmas related theme into it?
It’s fun to bring any theme into a show as you get some unusual suggestions from the audience.

What is the best thing about a night at Spontaneous Wrecks for the audience?

The unpredictable situations are what makes improvisation great for not only the audience but the performers as well. No show is the same.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

We are on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/spontaneouswrecks and Twitter @SpontaneousWrex

What is YOUR favourite show you have done this year and why?
That is a tricky one. I enjoyed our Bake Off Show because it was really messy and fun.

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show? Unexpected Christmas Silliness!

CHRISTMAS QUICK FIRE ROUND

Best Christmas cracker joke and why?
What do you get when you cross Santa with a duck? A Christmas Quacker!

Favourite Christmas film and why?
A Christmas Story. I think every child can be a bit like Raphie!

What do you want for Christmas this year?
To be with friends and family and for lots of people to come to our show of course.

What is the best adaptation in YOUR opinion of A Christmas Carol?
I think the 1951 version of Scrooge is the best but like Disney’s version too.

Brussel Sprouts – Love or hate?
I dislike brussel sprouts (Hate is too strong of a word for Christmas)

Favourite Christmas pop song?
Frank Sinatra’s Let It Snow! Let it snow! Let it snow! (He is from New Jersey after all!)

Can you name what happens on the 12 days of Christmas in the song?
Only if I sing it… loudly… with other people.

Favourite Christmas Food and why?
Turkey! The wife makes really nice mini roast potatoes too.

Were you ever part of a nativity play at school? Yes. What role were you given? Probably a donkey.

What is your favourite christmas episode of any TV show?
The Friends episode with The Holiday Armadillo.

A big important question is Die Hard a Christmas film?
Yes. Because Christmas is a time to watch reruns of shows like Lost and Friends and certain movies like Die Hard. Oh and don’t forget the best and worse shows of 2018.