Improv Wars – The Laugh Jedi is Improv at its Best

I’ve always thought of myself as more of a Star Trek gal. But my experience at Vancouver TheatreSports™ League’s newest production, Improv Wars – The Laugh Jedi propelled me back to a movie theatre in 1977 and a Galaxy far, far away – and it was a blast.

Here’s the backstory.

All is not well in the Galaxy. All humour has disappeared – and who can blame them? Housing prices are out of control, parking is abominable, and it is over a year until the next season of Game of Thrones. So the desperate Jedi Council summons six unlikely Padawan to see who can restore laughter and become…The Laugh Jedi.

The joy of improv is that no two performances are the same. The situations driven by the audience suggestions – and the characters’ ability to improvise on the fly – are what determines the outcome. What’s guaranteed is that every night will be hilarious, fast-paced and loads of fun.

The performance I attended featured some of the most beloved characters out of the iconic Star Wars saga – there on stage before me were candidates Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, C3PO, Kylo Ren, Grand Moff Tarkin, and Aunt Beru. I won’t give away the eventual winner, but the audience put this troupe through their paces in a variety of unlikely – and very creative scenarios that had everyone on their toes to avoid elimination. Suffice it to say that one Jedi emerged triumphant, laughter returned to the Galaxy, and everyone left the theatre happy and more than a little nostalgic.

Improv is an art. It’s all about plunging into the deep end, and taking all kinds of risks. It’s not easy. But it’s always performed with love and imagination and passion. And that’s what makes it special.

Improv Wars – The Laugh Jedi runs every Thursday through Saturday evening at 7:30 pm through November 18. All shows take place at VTSL’s home theatre, The Improv Centre on Granville Island. Tickets start from as low as $10.75. Show information and tickets for all VTSL productions can be found at vtsl.com.

Go. Shout out your craziest ideas. Laugh your head off. And bring your friends. You’ll be glad you did.

You may see me. I’ll definitely be going back.

May the farce be with you.