For this weeks Show of the week, we hrad down to Bristol  for something that little bit special. This is Your Musical is an original improvised musical theatre show from the Bristol Improv Theatre. Each night, a cast of professional actors and team of talented musicians produce a brand-new, hilarious, smash-hit musical inspired by YOUR stories. I caught up with Imogen to find out all about it.

Hello tell us all about who you all are and three unknown facts about your troupe!

This is Your Musical – we are an impov troupe making up musicals based on audience suggestions! My name is Imogen and I am a cast member of the company.

• 2 of us share the same birthdays!

• We didn’t know that we were going to do the second act madrigal set until we were on stage in the 2nd show and it is now the closer of all our shows!

• We performed at a wedding reception once!

 How did the show come about?

The artistic director of TIYM – Andy Yeoh put out a casting call for performers just over 2 years ago but I believe this had been an idea of his that has been ticking in the background for some time as he knew he wanted to do this for a while!

How did you get into improv?

Mainly through TIYM – it was when the troupe first started that I then got thrown into the deep end of the spectacular world of improv. I have done other ad hoc improv in acting classes over the years but that usually only goes as far as the ‘Park Bench’ game!

Tell us a little bit about the show that are happening this week?

This Friday, the cast will be taking audience suggestions to inspire a whole hour long musical made up on the spot! Come along and you could have a musical inspired by your suggestion!!

 It is the month of november, the month of fireworks! What is the key to having a spark on stage with fellow team members? How do. You create a bond?

Trust is very important ..as going on stage can be scary enough as it as (even 2 years later of doing this we get nervous!) so having a team by your side definitely helps create the magic! I’d also say that remembering to have fun and committing to each other’s ideas are also really key in helping us bond as a team. It’s crazy how we have literally no idea what to expect from each show, it’s like some mad journey!

How do you warm up before a show?

We start with movement to get the blood pumping and doing quite a lot of stretches to warm up. Then lots of vocal and breath work too of course! After that we just jam to get our heads in to it – but we try not to do too much of that as it can mentally tire us out otherwise. There is a lot to focus on during a show so we need to keep ourselves fresh.

What have been some of the best suggestions that you have been given in a show and why?

I loved one show we did where a guy in the audience had signed up to a burlesque class as part of freshers week to ‘network’ he’d said and really struggled when he went along; that really made for an entertaining story watching us attempt to be slightly ‘dancery’. I guess any ideas that are specific and make us throw ourselves in the deep end are always good fun! Although there have been so many and I’m sure each cast member has their own personal favourite..

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

Facebook and Instagram are the main ones – Just search This Is Your Musical

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Quirky Musical Mayhem

QUICK FIRE ROUND

What makes your smile?

Dogs

What is your biggest strength as an improviser?

Committing to an idea!

Dream venue to perform at and why?

The Royal Exchange Manchester

Are you a dog or cat person?

DOG

What is the most delightful suggestion for a scene you can think of?

Awkward relationships! So much juice can come from scenes like that!

 If you had to have a tattoo to represent improv what would you have and why?

Hmm..good question.. maybe a cheeky monkey clutching a theatre mask (comedy so Thalia) in its tail.

Who is your improv hero and why?

Patti Styles because she is all about being honest and simple with comedy by finding the moments between your partners in a scene. Don’t play for laughs trust that it will come authentically.

What is the last thing you liked on social media?

My friend’s travel photo of them flying over chile!

Something on your bucket list

Surf in Peru