Paul Merton and his chums tell BARRIE HUDSON about the joys of an improvisation show which stops off at the Wyvern next week

IT’S LIKE being treated to a command performance of Paul Merton’s Impro Chums; the quintet of inspired improvisers – Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Steve Steen, Suki Webster and Mike McShane – and I are sitting round a cosy open fire in a London hotel discussing the Chums’ national tour.

The room echoes to the sound of repeated, loud bursts of laughter. It is a rare privilege to be on the receiving end of such a dazzling off-the-cuff show.

The Chums have a similar effect on audiences up and down the country. They have been wowing theatres across the UK for years now with their compelling spontaneity.

They are able to conjure out of thin air the most breathtaking routines.

“Genius” is an overused word, but it really does apply to Merton and his chums.

The joy of the show – for both performers and audience – lies in the fact that it is totally unplanned. Paul is a big fan of the format that requires no preparation whatsoever. “I haven’t written a joke for 25 years,” he said.

“In Edinburgh one year, we were in a bar 20 minutes before the show was due to begin.

“We wanted to write down what impro games we would be doing in the show, but we realised we didn’t have a pen or paper. So we had to borrow the waiter’s pen and notepad. That’s the great thing about doing this show – there is no stress whatsoever.

“Now other comedians like Phill Jupitus and Marcus Brigstocke have started doing impro with us. “Hang on,” they say, “you don’t have to write any jokes and you do it with your mates? Where do we sign?’”

Suki chips in, “the only skill you have to learn for impro is: don’t plan and don’t worry. The key is simply listening and reacting to what the other person has just said.”

The Chums’ close friendship and mutual understanding, built up over the last 25 years, is almost telepathic and endows the troupe with a wonderful on-stage chemistry.

“We have a common language,” said Mike, an American who became a star in this country thanks to his mesmerising performances on C4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?

“We know how to play to each other’s strengths. Also, if it goes belly up, someone will cover you.

“The show plays very fast and loose, and you know it’ll get a little crazy out there. But deep in your heart you’re always aware that it’ll never fall apart – someone will stick their neck out and help you out.”

And the Chums see no reason why their fun should ever end.

As Richard said: “Last night we were performing to an audience that stretched from an 18-year-old to someone celebrating his 80th birthday. They were all rocking with laughter at the same jokes.

“You do not get that with stand-up or TV comedy. I think we’ll have longevity because our humour is not niche, it’s universal.” Paul added: “It’s such a joy performing with the Chums. Our motto is: if it’s funny, it’s justified. That spirit of ‘anything can happen’ will continue.

“With good health, we can carry on for years. With this show, there is no inbuilt obsolescence – apart from our own inbuilt obsolescence!”

Paul Merton’s Impro Chums are coming to the Wyvern Theatre on November 11 at 8pm.

Tickets are £22 from www.wyverntheatre.org or by calling 01793 524481