In the Dark | Big Fork Theatre
In The Dark takes an improv comedy performance and places it in a different setting—in the dark, literally. Performed at the Spring Hill Reservoirs, Big Fork Theatre put on a night that had plenty of laughs with a most peculiar approach.
The setting was a nice choice. I’ve never been to the Spring Hill Reservoir before, but the moment you enter it you’re hit with a sense of history. It’s an incredibly unique performance space that adds a lot of atmosphere with its historic walls and vintage look.
Each performer shined at different parts, and they bring their individual improv skills as well as their chemistry working as a team. Some of the standout moments for me were the transitions between the different scenes, where they showcased their ability making different sounds that created soundscapes with harmonic vocal elements that had a beat-like feel. I found this very captivating.
The comedy was fun. They were able to come up with a bunch of different characters on the fly and then delve into a range of scenarios, and you could hear each performer’s own strengths and what they were able to bring to personality wise in who they were portraying. My favourite bit was when they transported us back into the Roman times and explored life back then with much hilarity and dark humour.
Being almost completely pitch black, it gave the presentation a live podcast vibe or even something reminiscent of an old-time comedy radio show. Not being able to see much also allowed the audience to use their imagination, which made it feel more immersive.
It won’t be for everyone and if you’re someone who isn’t too comfortable sitting in the dark, then that’s something to take into consideration. The company did consider this may be an issue for some in the audience and had people on hand to help out if you found the experience too overwhelming. Also, if you’re looking for something more visual and physical then this isn’t it.
But for me, I enjoy it when a company can take a production and present it in a way that feels fresh. It’s was an ambitious idea, which ulimately paid off.
Overall, if improv comedy is something you’re interested in then you can’t go wrong with this. Big Fork Theatre are professionals at their craft. Combining the performance with the unique building and then switching the lights off added an originality that sets In the Dark apart from a more standard improv show.
