Review: UCL Comedy Club’s Blank Slates present ‘Improv Live in Camden’

As a first-timer at an improv show I wasn’t sure what to expect when I entered the Etcetera Theatre to see The Blank Slates perform their take on the Eventé improv format.

The show opened to loud audience cheers, clearly indicating an existing fan base for the group. Sole female performer Hannah Pennauer took the lead, asking the audience for suggestions for an event which would be the setting of their first skit; a good way to pull the audience in instantly making them part of the show.

Once the scenario was chosen, the performers wasted no time, jumping straight into action. The audience found themselves faced with the opening of a firework factory unfolding before our eyes. I was impressed at how quickly and naturally each performer fell into character. The show consisted of small sketches, each lasting only a few minutes with recurring characters and intertwining story lines that brought each skit together to form one big story.

The Blank Slates (clockwise from top left): Danya Barishnikov, Vijendra Vekriya, Hannah Pennauer, Will Jefferies, Andy Brown, Liam Barrett

At times, segments dragged on longer than they ought to – a common pitfall of comedy (Family Guy, looking at you) – making the audience slightly uncomfortable. Luckily, the other performers could sense that, quickly jumping in and beginning a whole new skit.

The performers established a great connection with the audience, which is oh-so very important in comedy shows – making or breaking the performance. They obviously knew their audience well and sensed what they wanted to see more of. Some transitions between the skits were somewhat awkward but this was balanced out by excellent performances and the group’s strong ability to play off of each other. The show left the audience wiping tears from laughter, swooning over the adorableness of some characters and genuinely caring for each and every character.

The stand-out performance of the night was delivered by Danya Barishnikov in his role as Schmidt; with his quirky German accent and obsession over explosive powder, he captivated the audience.

The hour flew by and the audience left the theatre in a much lighter mood. If you’re tired of the tired old jokes offered by a lot of comedy shows nowadays, I highly recommend checking out The Blank Slates’ next performance for some fresh and unexpected gags that will leave you rolling on the floor laughing.

Rating: ★★★★