Paul Merton & Suki Websters Improv Show

Strap in for an hour of improvised comedy hosted by two of the UK’s masters of improvisation, with their very special guests. Expect fast, fabulously funny improvised games, scenes, stories and laugh-out-loud surrealism.

I’ll be honest: that description doesn’t oversell. If anything, it’s modest—and with good reason.

Paul Merton & Suki Webster’s Improv Show keeps the stage wonderfully uncluttered: just a keyboard, four chairs neatly arranged (two on either side), and atmospheric light bars at the back. Entering or exiting the show, you’re greeted by the show’s logo projected on black cloths—small and classy, without ever trying to hog the spotlight.

The lighting? Perfectly simple—nothing dramatic, but just the right tone to let Merton, Webster, and their guest performers shine.

Sound felt mostly solid, although there were moments when the mic levels dipped so low I found myself squinting, “Did they just whisper the punchline?” A minor quibble in what’s otherwise a polished presentation.

What really carries this show, though, is the comedy. Powered by audience suggestions, it’s as spontaneous as its premise implies. Paul delivers his trademark dry wit with effortless flair, but I’d argue that Suki is the glue—grounding the chaos and driving pace with subtle brilliance. The guest performers I saw were spot-on too, adding their own spark without ever upstaging the duo.

This format remains exhilarating because of its uncertainty. You never know what’s coming next—and when the improvisers nail it, it's magic. The show’s fast-paced structure, playful energy, and collaborative spirit make it a reliable delight.

That said, a heads-up: the format is familiar, carefully practiced, and safe—less high-wire act, more well-oiled machine. If you’ve seen improv before, you’ll recognize the rhythms and even some of the games. There’s nothing wrong with that—far from it—but don’t expect reinvention. It’s improv perfected, not reimagined.

This is a feel-good, expertly executed hour of comedy with some of the UK’s sharpest improvisational minds. A few mic tweaks and maybe an unexpected new game would elevate it further—but even as-is, it’s a hilarious highlight of the Fringe.