Chris Betts vs The Audience

• Henry Northmore
• 17 August 2018

This article is from 2018.

A dynamic improv show with arguing for the heck of it

In his new show, Canadian comedian Chris Betts argues for or against any point of view put forward by the audience. By design it's a chaotic format, and each show will be completely different with part of its success dependent on the crowd.

Broken down into five sections, quickfire rounds, 'regrets' and judge's choice are amongst the options. The set-up makes for a very inclusive and involving hour. We're expected to work as a team, chipping in with ideas and comments, and you can participate as much as you want or just sit back and watch the madness unfold. Deliberately confrontational, the show can get out of control, and tonight Betts argued against the legalisation of crack cocaine but proposed the killing of all cats. Meanwhile, a guest judge (we had Alasdair Beckett-King) decides the winner of each round.

In many ways the structure is cleverly disguised improv. Betts has no script to fall back on and needs to be fast on his feet and incredibly quick witted to marshal the mayhem. He manages to keep it good humoured even when it drifts into some seriously dark territory. Perhaps unsurprisingly sometimes our host doesn't quite hit the sweet spot but over the piece, he's amazingly funny in an incredibly lively and dynamic show.

Heroes @ Bob's BlundaBus, until 26 Aug, 5.20pm, £5 in advance or donations at the venue.