There is one thing that fascinates me about improv and that is how it is portrayed in Television and Film. This is becoming more and more apparent in recent years because the comedy art form is sort of in fashion. There are some interesting topics that we can gain from these ways they are displayed so every so often we are going to look at different scenes from different shows and films and books.

If there is one comedy duo that is iconic and really created a huge impact on the genre then it is the Two Ronnies. The only time you only really see them on television these days is Christmas specials which can be a shame as they have some skits that are incredibly clever ones that are very funny and also can be used as inspiration for the world of improv. Today we are going to have a look at a sketch that is very clever and can help you look at improv in a different way.

In this sketch – they are two performers of percussion in the orchestra and they create lyrics for all of the classical songs. It is a very clever sketch and whilst it is pacey and obviously written it also creates a really interesting point for improv.

There are so many suggestions that we get given a lot in improv and we always end up approaching them in similar ways of ‘predictable’ ways. In rehearsals, why not start using really common suggestions and do one or more scenes so that you can come up with different scenes and ways to approach it. Some will be predictable but others go completely random and see what happens.

It is not rehearsing scenes but it is allowing you to come up with new and fun fresh ways to approach improv. The great thing about this scene with the Two Ronnies is that they have taken something that is so popular and recognised by everyone that hearing it in a completely new way is exciting and very hilarious to the audience because they can relate to it. It is the same with things like ‘themed’ improv shows – people enjoy them because they know the media and when they see it in a different way it can be really hilarious.

I am sure we will re-visit the Two Ronnies again at some point.