- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
What happens when professional performers from London, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales meet for the very first time just one hour before stepping on stage?
They create an entire Broadway-style comedy musical from scratch.
Every song, every lyric, every character, every plot twist, every note of music—completely improvised.
It is the headline attraction of the launch of the new format for Improv Comedy FriYAY, presented by Blah Blah Blah Improv at the Currumbin Hotel on Friday, 31 July (which is also Uncommon Musical Instrument Day).
Since launching in December, Improv Comedy FriYAY has become one of the Gold Coast's fastest-growing live performance nights—with every monthly show except one selling out—and it is the only family-friendly comedy night on the Gold Coast where adults can bring the kids and have an alcoholic beverage.
Now, audiences can expect two completely different comedy experiences in the one evening.
The first half will continue to feature the fast-paced comedy theatre games Gold Coast audiences have come to love, where performers transform audience suggestions into hilarious comedy sketches on the spot—this is where fans of Whose Line Is It Anyway? feel right at home.
After the interval, the format changes completely.
Each month, professional guest improvisers from around Australia and overseas will present a different style of unscripted theatre inspired by the famous improv theatres of Chicago and New York.
The inaugural new format show features an improvised Broadway-style comedy musical in the second half.
"The most incredible part is that most of the cast—and even the musician—will only meet each other an hour before the show," said Artistic Director Mandy Plumb.
"Most performers would find that terrifying, but this is what these artists specialise in.
“They have spent years developing the skills to create entire musicals from absolutely nothing."
The cast includes visiting British improviser Lisa Lynn, who has performed with the internationally renowned musical improv company Baby Wants Candy, widely regarded as one of the world's leading musical improvisation ensembles.
The production also reunites three performers who helped pioneer Queensland's first musical improv troupe almost a decade ago, alongside experienced performers from Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Northern New South Wales.
Unlike traditional musicals, nothing is planned in advance.
"The audience gives us a single suggestion, and that's all we have," Plumb said.
"From there we create an original story complete with characters, dialogue, live music, choreography, and songs.
“Once the curtain comes down, that musical will never exist again."
The new format is designed to showcase the breadth of modern improvisation, with a different professional guest cast and a completely different style of comedy performance featured in the second half each month.
Adding to its appeal, Improv Comedy FriYAY remains the only regular family-friendly comedy night on the Gold Coast where audiences can enjoy a drink while bringing the kids along.
Show Details
Improv Comedy FriYAY
Date: Friday, 31 July 2026
Time: Doors open 6.30pm, show starts 7:00pm
Venue: Currumbin Hotel (upstairs), 3 Traders Way, Currumbin Waters
Tickets: blahblahblahimprov.com/shows
