Andy Balloch + Marcus Willis = The Sparrow Men: Brilliant Improvisational Comedy – Feast Festival Review

West Bar, Fri 20 Nov. Marcus Willis and Andy Balloch are two brilliant improvisational theatre actors who create a totally unique show each night out of a suggestion from the audience. Tonight’s suggestion: Leprechauns! What better place to start than an Irish couple on their 10th wedding anniversary. One sat eating a schnitzel and the other creating a wood sculpture of his wife while they reminisce about their disastrous anniversary celebrations and odd assortment of gifts over the years. This was one of the four storylines that were created and then reconciled at the end of the show. Back stories are spontaneously developed and the audience erupts into laughter whenever Willis or Balloch manages to out-wit the other or suggests something bizarre to be followed through with. Never will a show again explore the themes of flammable fishing line, incontinence on hot air balloons and making the decision to drown a pony because a girl refuses to wear a party hat on her 9th birthday. Willis and Balloch have no costumes or music to assist and just three small stools on stage. They are both energetic and experienced actors who teach at Melbourne’s Improv Conspiracy, specialising in Chicago-style improv and sketch comedy. The main problem with the show is not the performers, but the length. Sixty minutes is perhaps way too long for an audience to remain completely engaged for this type of show, but overall it is an enjoyable experience. Bobby Goudie