Stand Up Comedy Battle Royale

Rating: Review

Company: Battle Royale

Genre: Stand-Up

Venue: 1 John Hirsch Mainstage

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The title of this show is a misnomer. This isn't simply a stand-up comedy competition - it's an IMPROV stand-up comedy competition. There's a huge difference thereand it affects the format, the content, and the feel of the show.

• Winnipeg Fringe 2017: read our reviews

The BattleRoyale, which originated at a local watering hole, pits teams of stand-up comedians against one another. Here's the key though - the comedians do not perform scripted jokes. The jokes are written and performed within a matter of minutes based on topics chosen from a hat.

The improv format does a huge disservice toboth the performers and the audience. It is not unheard of for professional stand-up comedians to work foryearsperfecting theirsets, constantly tweaking the wording, timing and delivery of individual jokes.

The improv format does a huge disservice to both the performers and the audience.- Sarah Broadfoot

The chances are slim that the comedians here can create solid, funny material in a matter of minutes, and at the performance I attended, that showed.