Performing in front of an audience can be tricky at the best of times. Even experienced performers often suffer with nerves and anxiety in those moments before taking to the stage. Imagine then how members of Comic Sans Script must feel when they perform their improvised comedy routines. The comedy troupe rely on their quick wits to entertain their crowd, with routines based on ideas thrown forward by members of the audience.

“Improvised comedy is extremely challenging but really enjoyable at the same time,” said Richard Fallon, Artistic Director with the Comic Sans Script. “The audience always play a huge part in our shows, it’s great to involve as many people as possible. The best thing about improvised comedy is the sheer unpredictability of it, it’s a hugely rewarding experience,” he added.

With two upcoming performances in Winchcombe and Cheltenham, on 26th May and 8th June respectively, Richard says he can’t wait to take his improvised comedy show to venues he knows very well. “We performed at the Winchcombe Festival of Music and Arts last year. We were the only comedy act booked to perform, which was great for us. It was a really good show, lots of people turned up so we were delighted when we were asked back to perform at this year’s festival.

“We’ve a great relationship with the Cheltenham Playhouse, so we’re always keen to perform at a local theatre. We were recently asked to become a resident company there, which was really exciting for us. We must be one of the fastest growing drama groups in the town, which is testament to the passion and enthusiasm of everyone involved with Comic Sans Script. Our last two performances at the Playhouse have been sell-outs, it’s the perfect venue for our act, nice and intimate which allows the performers to involve the audience.”

Since joining a comedy society at university Richard has developed a real passion for improvised comedy. He continued: “I joined the Cambridge Footlights back in 2001 when I was studying at the University of Cambridge. They didn’t do improvised comedy, they concentrated on stand-up and sketches. Improv was what I wanted to do so I started the Cambridge University Improv Society, which I’m pleased to say is still going strong all these years later.

“After finishing university I started Comic Sans Script back in 2003. What started as four people in a pub function room soon grew as more people joined us. At the end of the first year we had a dozen or so members. Currently we’ve got 40 people, with a further ten joining us in June.”

When it comes to the future, Richard says Comic Sans Script have some big plans to tap into a new genre of improvised comedy. He said: “We’re always aiming for bigger and better things. We’re growing exponentially which is really exciting and we’re focused on creating new shows. The next thing we’d love to move into is musical improv. It will take a lot of planning but I’m confident with the training and experience we’ve got as a group, we can give it a real go.”