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I was a relatively late convert to The Shambles in my first year. For some reason I spent the first two terms under the impression that it was some kind of weird gothic-folky-rock band, until an unimpressed friend set me straight in term three. Since then, I've tried to attend as many as possible to make up for it!
For those of you who have been to other Comedy Soc events, I like to think of The Shambles as Have I Got News For York's boisterous, unrestrained and occasionally disturbing younger brother. HIGNFY may be witty and fully tuned into the intricacies of York in general and the university in particular,but The Shambles runs on pure adrenaline. It screams energy and enthusiasm, the pace is fast, the content irreverent and the performers are clearly having a whale of a time doing what they do best.
In many ways similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, The Shambles is basically a combination of different games in which the performers push their improvisational skills to the limit. The audience shouts out suggestions and the Shamblers use these ideas to create comedy gold in front of your very eyes. Trust me, you've seen nothing until you've seen someone trying to mime flying to work on a giant pigeon.
It would be hard to be pick highlights from Wednesday's show, although Captain I-Say-What-I-Really-Think and the Hair Addict would definitely be up there. That's the brilliant thing about The Shambles; however many times you may see a certain game performed, there is absolutely no way that any two will ever be the same. It was also good to see some totally new skits, which will hopefully become a regular features this term and beyond.
Speaking to Sami Michael, recently elected Director of The Shambles, he described the show as 'spontaneous, frantic and entertaining'. And how does he aim to improve The Shambles during his term as Director? 'One of the drawbacks of last year was that it was not so open to everyone.' he says, 'We're keen on getting as many people as possible involved in a relaxed environment where there's absolutely no pressure to perform unless you want to.'
Having lost a number of key Shamblers at the end of last year, the team are keen to discover new comedians among the Freshers. 'It's fantastic that there is enough talent at York to support an event like this.' says Sami.
And how did he find his first Shambles as Director? 'Underneath a log using half a map given to me by some crazy man wearing spandex and smelling vaguely of raisins.' he replies without hesitation.
Of course. But would we really have it any other way?
The Shambles will be running improvised comedy workshops on the Thursday of weeks 3,4,5,7 and 9 - check out The Shambles Facebook group for more information. The Shambles is in V/045 at 7.30pm on the Wednesday of weeks 5,7 and 9, and costs £2 on the door.'
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