Welcome to this months theme of the month – all about the world of Music Box the improvised musical. Throughout the month we are going behind the scenes of one of London’s elite music improv troupes. For the second part we look more at the shows of Music Box, Dream guests and training. 

What are YOUR favourite Music box sets you have done this year and why?

In the last 12 months…

The aforementioned ‘Yodelling’ show at our Hoopla residencey.

WoofMeow at the London Improv Theatre.

The ‘Recycling Loft’ at Katzpace.

And ‘Forbidden Highland love’ also at the Miller/Hoopla.

What is the best thing about being in Music Box?

The cast! It’s a total democracy with no Diva’s. It feels like a slightly filthy/inappropriate but very loving and supportive family, who get together to do shows. SO much love!

What is the most challenging?

Being a democracy – everyone has an opinion and you can’t try 100 ideas per rehearsal! But the AD Rory handles it well.

What have been some of your specifically favourite scenes you have created so far in a show and why?

Rory and Lisa – Testicle duet, we took a bonkers suggestion but made it work. The scene ended up being a quite touching Dear Evan Hansen style ‘On the outside always looking in’ duet…as the rest of the show was set inside a womb!

The krill family escaping through the (Andrew) whales blow-hole at the Birmingham Improv Festival show 2017 – lead by Lewis: very physical and very joyous!

In rehearsal Octavia and Greg did an amazing scene as two in love but unavailable Olympic Commentators. The world never got to see it, but the acting was sublime, and it was very moving – trust us.

And the recent Cluedo show at Hoopla, with 5 of us covering ALL of the board-game characters, singing duets with ourselves etc plus Ben had never played Cluedo, and had no clue what was going on!

What have been the worst?

All tiny listening mistakes which have taken a mammoth effort to fix, for example: thinking we’re in two different locations; thinking we’re two different species; and thinking your brother’s your husband for example!

But all had hilarious consequences, and the audiences seem to enjoy watching us scramble to make it make sense – before all is forgiven with a glorious closing number!

What advice would you give for those for Troupes wanting to focus on music?

A great MD helps, we are blessed to have Tom Hodge. Find a musician that shares your vision (even if they’ve never done musical improv before) and you can build the dream/show from there.

Who would be your dream guest to appear and why?

Suki Webster – because she’s incredibly talented, equally filthy-minded, and we love her!

Is being a professional singer an important part of doing music in improv? Why?

Not in our show, because if you’re good at improv the audience is routing for you and your character; and they’ll appreciate your efforts (especially the bravery to go for it if you’re not the strongest singer) and they’ll forgive the odd dud note! Fun is the most important thing, or what’s the point?!

What is the best piece of advice you have been given about improv and why?

HOOPLA’s ‘Focus on the fun’ – it’s now our mantra.

You teach workshops – tell us about these ?

We love to share our tips, tricks and techniques, with both classes for complete beginners, and for experienced improvisers alike! Last year we ran a 6 week beginners course. This year we are looking to do a series of weekend specials, so keep an eye out!

You also teach corporate workshops – tell us about them as well?

We tailor and deliver a Music Box training workshop. No matter what your company does or what your role is, communication skills, confidence, creativity and teamwork are likely to be key to success. These are the very same skills that are central to creating improvised comedy. Anyone can increase their capability in these skills by dipping their toe into the improv pond.

A Music Box workshop not only enables learners to leave equipped to face the everyday challenges that their roles throw at them, but they’ll also have more fun then they ever thought possible in the workplace.

We have extensive experience of building and delivering training events for a vast range of organisations. From top educational institutions such as the London School of Economics to global blue chip companies – we’ve done it all! We’ve led workshops in small family run offices and we’ve travelled the world rolling our global training programs for big name firms like Virgin Trains, Investec and Sealife. In terms of audiences we’ve worked with all age groups from teenagers through to board level executives.

Are you guys performing at any festivals this summer if so what ones?

Not this year, but we intend to do Edinburgh 2020 for our 10th Birthday. We may do a few international festivals this winter, so watch this space!

What are your aims for your troupe for rest of the year?

As many shows as possible! We have our first off West End theatre run in June 4th-8th https://www.thedraytonarmstheatre.co.uk which we are really excited about!