The Oxford Imps

Oxford Imps Logo

The Oxford Imps are the improvisational comedy troupe associated with Oxford University. They are based in Oxford, England, where they perform weekly during University termtime.

They were reviewed as "the best improvised comedy show I have ever had the pleasure to witness" by Edinburgh Fringe festival magazine ThreeWeeks in 2007.^{[citation needed]}

History

Four Imps performing at the 2011 Wychwood Festival

The Oxford Imps formed in 2003, and it is a debated subject as to whether they are Oxford University's first improvisational comedy troupe.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

Since 2004, the Imps have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe each year.^[1] They have previously toured to Bosnia and Utrecht in the Netherlands. They have also toured numerous times to Chicago and Providence, and have performed in Nashville. In February 2008, the Oxford Imps also performed a full-length improvised musical at the Moser Theatre in Wadham College, Oxford, for four nights.^{[citation needed]}

As of June 2010, the Oxford Imps have performed 272 shows at the Wheatsheaf Pub in Oxford, 134 shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, 81 private shows in Oxford, 2 shows in Holland, 3 shows in Cambridge, 5 shows in London, 1 show in York, 4 shows at UK Festivals, and 6 shows in the USA, making a total of 508 shows, not including street performances.^{[citation needed]} They have also performed radio shows on Oxide Radio, BBC Radio Oxford, and Fest FM.^{[citation needed]}

TV appearance

The Oxford Imps with the Eggheads

On 25 March 2009, the Oxford Imps' appearance on British daytime TV quiz Eggheads was broadcast on BBC2.^{[citation needed]} The team included John Gethin, Jim Grant, Rachel Parris, Alex Steer, Tom Wilkinson and Lauren Johnson as reserve team member.

Notable 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, and author of The Days of Judy B
• John Gethin, winner of the UK reality TV show Beauty and the Geek
• Heather McRobie, winner of the Hélène du Coudray Prize and author of the novel Psalm 119^[2]

Alumni Improv Groups

Imps alumni have continued their passion for improvisation founding groups around the world, including:

• Dirty Water, founded by Jon Dick, based in Chicago and have performed at improv festivals across North America. ^[3]
• Story Pirates, founded by Charlie Partridge and Robin Clyfan, based in London and have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. ^[4]
• Dead Man in a Box, founded by Juliet Morrish, based in London and have performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.^[5]
• Swords, founded by Bradford Jordan, based in New York. ^[6]
• Impulse Factory, founded by Steve Kimmens, based in Sydney. ^[7]

References

1. ^ Edinburgh Fringe Festival Listing.
2. ^ Psalm 119 by Heather McRobie, Maia Press.
3. ^ Dirty Water Website
4. ^ Story Pirates Facebook Group
5. ^ Dead Man In a Box Facebook Group
6. ^ Swords Website
7. ^ Impulse Factory Website

External links

• Official website

Reviews

• Oxford Theatre Review February 2008
• 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

• The Improverts — The University of Edinburgh's resident improv troupe
• Improvised Comedy Ents — A similar improv group associated with the University of Cambridge.
• Psalm 119 by Heather McRobie (Maia Press)