If you haven’t been to an improv show at The Improv Centre on Granville Island, put it on your Summer Fun Bucket List immediately! This has long been one of my favourite places to go with a group of friends or for a date night, but now they offer a family-friendly show as well!
I recently had the pleasure of attending the brand-new show Tall Tales: The Quest is Up to You and it was an absolute delight! Unlike TheatreSports, which is a series of short scenes with audience suggestions (and sometimes involvement), Tall Tales has a general story format and the actors do all the improv. The audience still provides suggestions for the setting, the problem, character occupations, and so on throughout the show when prompted. This means the actors don’t know what the story will be each night they perform- and the audience will experience a different show each time they go!
This particular show follows the hero’s journey and is inspired by the storylines from fantasy fiction such as The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, and Lord of the Rings. One of the standout aspects of Tall Tales was the sheer talent and chemistry of the improvisers. Their ability to seamlessly build upon each other’s ideas was truly remarkable. The result was a dynamic and ever-evolving performance that kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout. It is rated G and geared toward families, meaning the actors will accept suggestions that are geared to the age of the audience on any particular night. This show is best for kids and youth ages 8+.
Tall Tales: The Quest is Up to You is a must-see for anyone that loves to laugh and appreciates spontaneous storytelling. It’s an evening that will leave you with aching cheeks from laughter and an appreciation for the art of improv. The talented improvisers, combined with the intimate setting and impeccable production, create an experience that is both unforgettable and utterly enjoyable. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to catch this show—you won’t be disappointed!
Tall Tales: The Quest is Up to You!
When: June 29- August 19, 2023
Time: 6:30pm (doors) | 7:30pm (show)
Location: The Improv Centre
Address: 1502 Duranleau Street, Vancouver
Website: theimprovcentre.ca
