Review: A Lust of Elves and Magic
Picture: Improv Queensland’s cast of the 2024 A Lust of Elves and Magic (credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Improv Queensland’s latest show, A Lust of Elves and Magic, is exactly what the title suggests: a funny, improvised, bodice-ripper that draws on fairy and fantasy tales of days of yore. Expect dragons, wenches, magic, and some quite absurd story lines—and if you are not very quick with your suggestions then you can blame your fellow audience members for the directions your particular romantasy tale might take.
Yes, romantasy is a ‘thing’; a subgenre combining fantasy and romance, using many of the elements of the medieval romance. The best improv shows have a structure or general story arc—in this case, a series of ‘chapters’ where one of the cast members sets the scene—and then the performers improvise to build characters and explore humorous storylines, based on suggestions from members of the audience. As a chapter appears to have reached its close, or where fellow comics feel that the pace is beginning to lag, then the next chapter is launched.
Of course, this all means that no two shows are the same. I gather that, on opening night, many of the members of the 7pm audience decided to stay on for the 9pm show. Clearly, they had got the hang of how to be a great audience member, and were ready to unleash some even more improbable names and characteristics for our hapless heroine and her romantic escapades. And were having such a good time that they were ready for the next ‘book’ in The Lust of Elves and Magic series.
Picture: Fabulous scene-setting, and the bell of lust (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Picture: An entertaining love triangle (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Picture: Moving the story along (Credit: Creative Futures Photography).
Picture: Working those props (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
I gather that one of the many collective nouns for a troupe of actors is a cry. Improv Queensland’s opening night performance of A Lust of Elves and Magic, was an enjoyable show. Expect lustful references, creative (and quirky) character developments, excellent costume choices, creative scene-setting, memorable one-liners, and just the right amount of on-stage corpsing. After all, as improv experts, the performers know that the best comedy comes from reading your audience, and breaking that fourth wall. A Lust of Elves and Magic included memorable audience interactions, with some great suggestions (just try acting as a wench called Elspeth when your character has a lisp…), and a lot of atmospheric owl and fire sounds.
This was the second Anywhere Festival show of the day held in The Raven Hotel Cellar (the earlier show being the excellent Ukulele Man). Although only accessible down a flight of stairs, The Raven Cellar is a great venue for shows and events: atmospheric, a convenient bar, and good sight lines from almost every seat.
If you are looking for a fun start to your evening, book tickets now for A Lust of Elves and Magic. Or book for consecutive shows and make an evening of it. I am sure you will enjoy the entertaining work of a hoot of improv experts (particularly if you are a romantasy aficionado); comic and lustful references guaranteed, but elves may or may not make an appearance.
Picture: Dragon love (Credit: Creative Futures Photography)
Audience information: The 2024 Anywhere Festival Brisbane program includes only six performances of A Lust of Elves and Magic (20-28 July 2024) at The Raven Hotel, West End. Tickets $24 (plus $3 ticket fee). Suggest 15+. Not suited for people with accessibility issues. Licensed to serve alcohol. 60ish minutes.
The reviewer attended the 20 July 2024 7pm performance.