Following their success at the Edinburgh Fringe, here comes CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation at the Underbelly Boulevard in Soho London.
There’s been a murder and no one knows why, how, what or who did it. It’s up to the audience to decide … everything. Admittedly, I think my audience was a little shy so after some coaxing from our Detective, we finally decided on our scenario and off we go.
I wasn’t expecting as much audience participation however it was really welcomed, especially after we had warmed up to a much more involved experience. We followed the actors through the initial discovery, world building scenes to finally coming to the hot seat section where we got to ask our questions. We also got to decide which of our suspects are the most suspicious and therefore definitely did the murder. Once the murderer is chosen, the actor is on the spot starting with ‘well of course it was me’ on a ramble of how the terribly silly event all took place and the very obvious reason why. With that, the 1-hour show is complete and we go away feeling pretty impressed with ourselves, and of course the performers who have made it all happen.
I think the concept is brilliant! Hilarious circumstances, a very structured show and opportunity to feel really involved. It honestly makes such a great night out. The actors are well trained and comfortable being on the spot and I couldn’t really see this style of show coming to an end- it literally is different every night.
I would have loved to see more moments of ‘testing’ between actors in moments where it seems to be stuck. We had a moment where the detective asks, ‘where were you both last night, and I want you to say it at the exact same time’ and this was the most thrilling part for me and one of the real joys of improv is to see people make sense of the unusual.
I would really like to follow this show and hope it has more life as I think shows like this really deserve more time in theatre, it’s fun, energetic and a short and sweet hour of great laughs.
Reviewed: Alice Rose
Reviewed 19th September 2026
North West End UK Rating: