Stand Up Comedy Battle Royale
Sarah Broadfoot | for CBC News | Posted: July 21, 2017 6:38 PM | Last Updated: July 21, 2017
Odd, challenging format dooms production from the get-go
Rating: ★★ Review
Company: Battle Royale
Genre: Stand-Up
Venue: 1 — John Hirsch Mainstage
The title of this show is a misnomer. This isn't simply a stand-up comedy competition - it's an IMPROV stand-up comedy competition. There's a huge difference there and it affects the format, the content, and the feel of the show.
The Battle Royale, which originated at a local watering hole, pits teams of stand-up comedians against one another. Here's the key though - the comedians do not perform scripted jokes. The jokes are written and performed within a matter of minutes based on topics chosen from a hat.
The improv format does a huge disservice to both the performers and the audience. It is not unheard of for professional stand-up comedians to work for years perfecting their sets, constantly tweaking the wording, timing and delivery of individual jokes.
The improv format does a huge disservice to both the performers and the audience. - Sarah Broadfoot
The chances are slim that the comedians here can create solid, funny material in a matter of minutes, and at the performance I attended, that showed.