In Ireland and Scotland the Wake for someone who has passed is more often than not held at a pub.

Meet Mark, the director of Ho Hum musical improv. Originally from Scotland, Mark is a musician, actor and comedian who has been performing and teaching across the UK, NZ and Australia for 30 years.

 Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

‘The Wake’ is an improvised musical show centred around a Wake for one of the cast. The audience chooses which cast member is going to be the deceased on the night and the show unfolds about their life. A delightful mix of stories, songs and scenes inspired by the audience – with laughs aplenty!

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

The Lord Alfred Hotel in Paddington is the perfect venue for a Wake. In Ireland and Scotland the Wake for someone who has passed is more often than not held at a pub. This venue gives an authentic feel to the show and allows the audience to relax and watch the comedy unfold.

What is your creative process like?

Ho Hum have been producing improvised musical shows in Brisbane for over 2 years. Our cast works closely together and have developed skills in singing, improvising and musicality that allows them to create a unique experience every time we hit the stage. The Wake has been a devised format that the entire cast worked together on creating.

Tell us your origin story. How did your company/show/collaboration start?

In 2018 Improvisers Kath Griffin, Glenn Seaby and Mark Grimes had a vision to create an improvised musical troupe that could instantly create songs in the moment. Mark had a burning desire to improvise full blown Broadway musicals. The collaboration between these 3 improvisers and now the stellar cast has proven to be a winning formula.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

If you like comedy, music and song then this is the show for you.

Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?

The audience gets to influence where the show goes through their suggestions. No two nights will be the same!

The Wake takes place as part of Anywhere Festival on the 6th, 7th and 13th May at the The Lord Alfred Hotel, Paddington.