Wuthering Frights: An Improvised Gothic Play

I've actually attended two performances and I enjoyed both.

As with any improvised performance, it's difficult to compare one show to another because they change every time. However, I felt the effort, jokes, and quality were on par between both that I saw.

I also find some of the funniest moments in improvised long form are when mistakes happen as it gives the actors a chance to flex that they take this all seriously but not taking themselves too seriously and their quick wit in how they recover and a couple of my favourite moments were born out of recovering from mistakes (like calling the character a wrong name or forgetting how one character acquired an item). Some of my favourite moments are in the facial expressions of Kelsey and Jenn. When you can illicit a laugh just from how you move an eyebrow or quiver a lip - you have comedy gold. But I loved watching all of them flex their individual talents.

This crew is obviously having fun together which makes it a fun experience for the audience. If you're not into gothic/horror(ish)/darker stuff, you might be more suited to Wit and Whimsy or Tragedy or Triumph, but if you like the gothic style, this is definitely worth checking out.

The Haunting of the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Center.

A Wuthering Frights: An Improvised Gothic Play Review, by Andrea Noga (AYTC)

A slimy coffeehouse in the 19th century. If you’re intrigued, this might be the right show for you.

Wuthering Frights: An Improvised Gothic Play is an improv show from Calgary– featuring 6-7 talented improvisers as they walk you through a tale from the past, inspired by Gothic literature. Asking only for an adjective and a non-geographical location, the improvisers of Wuthering Frights create a 60 minute comedic narrative that’s guaranteed to make you laugh.

The version of Wuthering Frights I attended was a slimy coffeehouse, which later revealed to be a ruse for Satan to kidnap souls in an orb. You know, normal stuff.

While there were no weaklings in the bunch, improvisers Kelsey Schoen and Jessie Whipp impressed with their ability to crack jokes while keeping the story moving. Both moved with the flow and never turned an idea down, taking “Yes, And” to a splendid degree. However, the entire cast spoke the same language. Interruptions were rare, and even when every cast member was in the scene, they were all given their chance to shine. This was a true ensemble cast, with balanced and hilarious performances from every improviser.

While the show was quite funny, even for this admittedly not-an-improv-fan reviewer, it did not quite earn its name. The costumes were dark, belonging to the 19th century where the show was set. However, the Gothic elements seemed to stop there. Moments of horror were few and far between, and the show focused mainly on the logistics of running a coffee shop. The show was not any less entertaining, it just was not significantly Gothic– especially as a strong fan of horror and mystery myself. Milo Sinclair, one of the improvisers, was the darkest, and I mean this as a compliment. When he was onstage, he brought a mix of horror and comedy with him. If you’re looking for laughs with this show, you’re sure to get them. However if you’re drawn to it because of the Gothic element, I would not deem it to be a considerable part of the show. Though again, it did not make the show any less hilarious!

Gothic or not, this show packs a strong cast who work well as a cohesive unit. They use every inch of the stage, and commit fully to their characters. There is no imbalance of talent, and all the performers are rich in it. There’s no fright in this one, just lots and lots of laughs.

Wuthering Frights: An Improvised Gothic Play plays at the Old Strathcona Performing Arts Center.

Very fun show, I loved how they played with scenes interweaving them. The improvisers are genuinely so funny and have great comedic timing. The only thing of “criticism” I guess I have is at some points I really didn’t know where we were even when the suggestion to start the show was a place. I think more miming of the environment and interaction would be cool but honestly it didn’t affect the story negatively. Lots of oohs and aahs and laughing rlly hard. Would definitely recommend

Very good improv. Very funny. Extremely charismatic cast. And only the Slimiest of Coffee shops. Super enjoyable.

A hilariously weird gothic romp with a cast that work well together and all seem to enjoy working together. Had many great laughs and would see them again.

Improv at it's finest 👌 slimey coffee shop story was great