R.A.W.D / Loo Prov – Unity Theatre

As a part of the Liverpool Imrov Festival this double bill was opened by RAWD, a company of performers of different ages, genders, backgrounds and abilities.

They soon had the audience in raptures of delight with some instant and visual sketches. The show starts with the performers asking for suggestions about a possible title for the show and jobs and places as inspiration for the sketches. Suggestions such as a Police Station, the surface of the moon, a dog walker (which brought spontaneous laughter) and bizarrely an ink squeezer in a squid factory.

Interpretations were energetic and spontaneous, and much appreciated by this smallish audience in an intimate small theatre. Lasting for about 30 minutes the show consisted of a number of energetic and highly entertaining sketches much appreciated by the enthusiastic audience.

“Loo Prov” made its debut at the Unity Theatre on April 25th, following a celebrated run at the Das Improv Festival in Berlin in 2024. This innovative twenty five minute production showcased the extraordinary talents of four exceptional female improv performers: Anna Bucks, Harmony Chan, Lelda Kapsis, and Karolina Kackmarek, each contributing their distinct styles and artistic flair to the performance.

A key aspect of the show was how the performers actively listened to both the audience and one another, responding to the information they received which made the performance feel cohesive and engaging. They collaboratively built the scene based on the audience suggestion of a ladies toilet in a KFC restaurant.

What truly distinguished this performance was its bold setting within a female restroom—a striking choice that not only challenged traditional theatrical norms but also transformed audience expectations. This small intimate venue created a uniquely personal atmosphere, allowing for an unprecedented connection between the performers and spectators that significantly enhanced the interactive nature of the improvisational format. As with all “Improv” performances it was completely unscripted and relied largely on audience suggestions.

Unlike the R.A.W.D previous performance this was a single sketch that centered on the interaction between two dancers and the franchisee of a KFC restaurant during the visit of a food hygiene inspector. Compared to the previous performance this was more nuanced and subtle with occasional sporadic laughter and the whole set might have been improved by having two or three sketches rather than the one.

This overall experience not only enriched Liverpool’s artistic landscape but also amplified its cultural significance, making a substantial impact on the vibrant creative community it celebrated.

Reviewer: Kevin Eccleston

Reviewer: 25th April 2025

North West End UK Rating: