MissImp chat to the Fringe team about their show, It's A Trap! The Improvised Star Wars Show.
How would you describe your ‘Origin Story’ – how did you get started ‘in the business’ and what is it about performing that keeps you going?
MissImp has been performing in Nottingham in a wide range of shows since 1998, and our cast includes people that have been around since almost the very beginning of that. We're all from a variety of performance backgrounds, united in enjoying improvisation for its collaborative and spontaneous nature. We play together because we're all friends and it's fun to spend time on stage together. It can be immensely gratifying to create something out of nothing, and get laughs for somehow being able to recall Star Wars trivia while inventing a plot and characters.
Tell us a little bit about your Bath Fringe 2023 Show
With a deep love for Star Wars and a lot of questions about the world created by Geoge Lucas, we decided that the best way to explore the universe, geek out, and play with some of the most memorable characters on-screen was to mash it all together into one improvised adventure. This is an entirely spontaneous show - we'll ask the audience for a handful of information at the beginning and then spin out a whole new episode filled with original and classic characters and locations. We're big Star Wars fans, but you don't need to be. Whether you know everything or nothing about Star Wars, we'll look after you!
What is it about Fringe Theatre that excites you?
The speed of setup and the frantic get in/get out of Fringe Theatre adds to the fun and energy of performance. Plus, it's a great way to visit places we might not otherwise visit often. There's also a megatonne of amazing shows compressed into a few weeks, so it can be an incredible way to gorge on theatre and comedy.
What is your favourite thing to do in Bath when you’re not performing?
A good number of us will be vanishing into second hand bookshops within moments of arriving in Bath... But we're also suckers for pretty architecture and following in the footsteps of one Jane Austen.
What advice would you give to people just starting out?
Find people you enjoy spending time with and who you can have fun with.
In an alternate universe, what career path might you have followed?
As a group we have a fairly diverse range of careers already, but obviously we'd be signing up with the Rebel Alliance and getting our qualifications in the Force.
If you were a Bath landmark, what would you be and why?
Well, there's at least one oil bath in Star Wars, so we have a natural affinity for the Roman baths themselves. We're pretty sure golden droids bathing would only enhance the local area.
It's A Trap! The Improvised Star Wars Show is on at the Roper Theatre on Saturday 3rd June. Book Tickets.