The National Theatre of the World!

The Grand Theatre recently invited the National Theatre of the World: Impromptu Splendor into their McManus Theatre. Their concept is to improvise a play using the style of a popular playwright. On the evening I arrived they chose to mimic Tennessee Williams. They used actual recent events from within London and incorporated them as themes in their play. Impromptu Splendor entitle their one-time masterpiece "Stuck Behind a Train" to satirize the never ending persistence of trains in London. A disastrous family drama unfolded full of mendacity and issues such as drinking, betrayal, and gun violence. The show was a riot. The entire audience was howling with laughter. I was surprised and delighted to see how many people in their early-mid 20's attended. London's comedic niche is difficult to place, since YukYuk's hosts (usually) more crass humor directed toward males and Western students sometimes find it difficult to branch off of their campus. I found Impromptu Splendor refreshing and delightfully reminiscent of The Second City (a personal favorite of mine).
As for advertising, The Grand Theatre website had a lengthy promotional video to showcase their talent. The tickets were reasonably priced at $20 each... but they added a special $5 off promotion as the date neared. It is interesting that I did not see any ads in The Beat or Scene Magazine, probably due to the fact that their promotion of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat takes priority.  The library notice boards did host one of their posters. I hope that as their reputation builds, people will come to recognize their name and demand will increase. Humor should be more prominent in the city. For example, The Grand Theatre and The Palace Theatre both feature seasons full of mystery, adventure, and drama. Londoners need to laugh. After emerging from the darkness of the McManus, I felt refreshed and ready for anything. Theatre directors should make a point of comedy and the beneficial effects it has on audiences.