“Hyperbolic Retribution”: An Improbable Musical Floats to Success

An Improbable Musical is dazzling audiences with its incredible humour and raw talent at Hackney Empire.

An Improbable Musical is a completely improvised show, from the acting, the band, the use of props and the songs sung. It is truly a spectacle that everyone should see as the group’s united force is extraordinary, the way they can sing a whole song together without any planning is incredible, let alone the fact that they can harmonise, sing in unison and work with the band in perfect timing.

One awesome thing about this musical is that you can watch each show of its run and watch a completely different story each time. The cast ask the audience for a place, an interesting word and a beginning sentence. The quick wit of this production is the shining star as the audience does not make it easy for actors.

On Saturday night, the story was based around a pool, ‘hyperbolic retribution’ and the phrase ‘I can’t believe what I found in the cupboard under the stairs’; in other words, complete madness. However, the production that resulted was better than some musicals that have been on the West End. The opening scene was revisited as the ending scene, creating a good arc for the audience to take in. The actors also entwined reprises of songs, character arcs, witty call-back lines, all combining to create a surprisingly well-written piece. It feels like such a shame that, due to the premise of the show, it will only get performed once, but that does make each show feel special.

All of the actors are standouts, but a special shoutout has to go to Ruth Bratt and Niall Ashdown due to their hilarious enemies to lover's plotline. It was highly entertaining to watch them perform together as their energies to bounced off each other. Their scenes were definitely a favourite due to the witty banter between the two and the insanely quick musical mind of Ashdown, who’s rhyming skills are superiour.

An Improbable Musical is definitely a must-see, so rush down and catch this show while you can.

An Improbable Musical is currently running at Hackey Empire until the 26th October. You can book tickets and find out more at: https://hackneyempire.co.uk/

Full Cast of An Improbable Musical, photo taken by Jane Hobson