The Oxford Imps
The Oxford Imps are the improvisational comedy troupe associated with Oxford University. They are based in Oxford, England, where they perform weekly during University term-time. However they also perform every summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and have previously toured to Bosnia, Utrecht in the Netherlands, and Chicago and Providence in the USA.
In 2007 they were reviewed as "the best improvised comedy show I have ever had the pleasure to witness" by festival magazine, Three Weeks.
History
The Oxford Imps formed in 2003, and it is a debated subject as to whether they are Oxford University's first improvisational comedy troupe. As there is little evidence to contest it, many reviews and publications regarding the troupe refer to the group as indeed the University's first improv group, however the group itself does not lay claim to the title.
As of January 2008, the Oxford Imps have performed 198 shows at the Wheatsheaf Pub in Oxford, 106 shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, 45 private shows in Oxford, 1 show in Holland, 1 show in Cambridge, and 3 shows in the USA, making a total of 354 shows, not including street performances. They have also performed radio shows on Oxide Radio, BBC Radio Oxford, and Fest FM.
In February 2008, the Oxford Imps performed a full-length improvised musical at the Moser Theatre in Wadham College, Oxford, for 4 nights in a row.
Famous Members
- Rose Heiney, daughter of Paul Heiney (TV reporter) and Libby Purves (radio presenter and author), finalist in Channel 4's 'So You Think You're Funny?' 2004
- John Gethin, winner of the UK reality TV show Beauty and the Geek (UK TV series)
- Heather McRobie, winner of the Hélène du Coudray Prize and author of Psalm 119
External links
- http://www.oxfordimps.com/ Official homepage
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival Listing
- Oxford University Drama Society Listing
Reviews:
- Oxford Theatre Review May 2006
- Daily Information Review May 2006
- Cherwell Newspaper Review June 2005
- BBC article on an Oxford Imps production June 2005
- Cherwell Newspaper Review January 2005
- The Scotsman Newspaper Review August 2004
Related Links
- John Gethin becomes reality TV star
- Improvised Comedy Ents - A similar improv group associated with the University of Cambridge.