Paul Merton's Impro Chums, Wycombe Swan (From Bucks Free Press)

Paul Merton's Impro Chums, Wycombe Swan

10:45am Wednesday 19th May 2010 in

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PAUL Merton's Impro Chums is unique and when the break came all I could hear from the crowd around me was, “Isn't it clever.”

For to go to this show you cannot help but marvel at the intelligence and quick wit of the five comedians as they react to anything the audience throws at them.

The 'Have I Got News For You' Star was joined by his chums, Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster at the Wycombe Swan on Monday night.

The whole night is improvised based entirely on suggestions from the crowd making it feel very special to each town.

The first act saw the crowd come up with the theme Oliver Cromwell and the Iron and four of the act had to speak about it everytime they were pointed at. As soon as someone stumbled they were out of the game.

Then Merton was sent out of the theatre and the audience had to come up with an unusual job for him to guess which was the person who hand paints Marmite on twiglets with a moustache for the British Army in an igloo.

Merton was called back on stage and a series of puns and clever suggestions followed as the other four tried to help him guess what it was. My favourite came from Lee Simpson as he tried to help Paul get the British army bit. He described his new shower which was actually a bra. i.e. Bra-to-shower-me.

Unsurprisingly Merton didn't quite get this straight away.

Other highlights were when Merton and Webster sang a song off the cuff in the style of musical theatre which had me crying with laughter.

The comedy was laid back and effortless and the chums bounced off eachother.

It was particularly special when Merton and pals acted out, Weighing the Mayor which made the traditional ceremony seem a whole lot fun.

The last scene saw a Case from the Files of Sherlock Home and the audience came up with Mr Spock Meets the Queen.

The chums are an excellent mix and exceedingly likeable- unlike anything I had seen before I would happily go again tomorrow as I know I would get a completely different show.

Other comedians coming up at the Swan are Ken Dodd, Reginald D Hunter, Freddie Starr and Jethro. To book call 01494512000 or got to www.wycombeswan.co.uk.