Snake Oil

It’s been over a decade since I’ve been to an improvised show – one where the audience help direct the plot. Snake Oil last night was a good reminder of how entertaining they can be.

Greg Ellis is a snake oil salesman – Dr Artemis Lovelace. He has an engaging stage presence and booming voice, which makes him indeed a credible snake oil salesman.

I’m full of admiration for anyone who can talk non-stop for an hour, without even pausing for reflection. Hard enough to do when you have a prepared script, but much harder when you literally invent the story as you tell it. I got asked twice to make up a key detail, choosing pasta as a food and stamp collecting as a hobby. Within seconds these became major plot elements, as Ellis talked about how pasta brought together native americans and italian-americans in his whimsical tale.

Equally challenging to making up a story as you go, must be remembering it. Elis invented a number of characters (including the twins Ping and Pong) and they all were referred to throughout the show.

The show only runs for four days. If you are a fan of improvised shows, then you’ll enjoy spending an hour with Greg Ellis.