By no means a complete archive - this is as many of the shows as we can rememberfrom the last 10 years of company history - and many of their casts.

TIL DEATH US DO PART - June to December @ Wallaceville House

When dodgy Kevin Wingate and his bumbling criminal clan marry into the family of prim and proper Karen Wallace anything could happen. Maybe even murder! Metal heads meet society dames in a story that could be straight out of Shakespeare - if the groom ever read it. Throw an overbearing Mother of the Bride, a sleazy ex boyfriend with a dodgy past, a twin sister with a grudge and a priest on the edge of a breakdown and you have the most dysfunctional of functions.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Desiree Cheer, Pete Doile, Sophia Elisabeth, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Nic Gorman , Ian Harcourt, Jen Mason, Gareth Ruck

PINT-SIZED IMPROV - November 2 -13 @ The Southern Cross

Yarns, tall stories and true - comedy where you called the shots. Two Improvisors and an initimate gathering of an audience for soup and a surprise selection of whatever improvised comedy took our collective fancies with shows varying from an improvised business plan, a security briefing and a corporate set

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Greg Ellis, Richard Falkner, Ian Harcourt and Tim Gordon

IMPROV FM - Sundays September 6 - 27 @ Circa Theatre (in collaboration with Radio NZ National)

The surprise favourite show of 2008 was recommissioned again in 2009!

Many of The Improvisors have been providing voice for radio and television commercials for ages - some of them even record radio plays - but none of us had ever tried recording a radio broadcast from our spiritual home at Circa Theatre. Standing in front of a microphone - with only our wits and the assistance of sound and music maestros Robbie Ellis and Morgan Samuels - our team recorded a variety of never before tried improv formats - the mockumentary, the song quest, the celebrity trolling through their music collection to create a show of the like never seen (or heard) before!

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Simon Buxton, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Kenny King, Gareth Ruck, Morgan Samuels and Steve Wrigley with Isaac Heron on lights.

THEATRESPORTS - Sundays April 27 - July 29 @ Circa - Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2008

Tim Gordon solidified his hold on the Paragon Cup, leading his team "The Merry Court of Gagsalot" to the 2009 Wellington Championship (his 5th) in The Improvisors' annual clash of wit and mental dexterity.

With some of the older heads unavailable for selection this season the 3 teams of players stepped up night after night before hundreds and hundreds of fans.

Featuring: "The Merry Court of Gagsalot" - Tim Gordon, Pete Doile, Anna Kennedy, Jessica Manins with special finals appearance from Tim Jones "The League of Mediocre Gentlemen" - Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Richard Falkner, Ian Harcourt and Mark Scott, (with Sophia Elisabeth off the bench), "The Majestic Centurion Justice Alliance" - Nic Gorman, Sarah Harpur, Jones,Kenny King, and Gareth Ruck, musos - Robbie Ellis and John Kingston, and Isaac Heron on lights

TALK TO THE HAND - THE IMPROV PUPPET SHOW - 19 - 23 May @ Circa 2 - Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2009

Taking the same big step out of their comfort zone that lead to three successful improvised musicals The Improvisors try puppets.

Featuring a cast of puppetry novices but improv masters performing alongside puppetry masters and improv novices this was one of The Improvisors' most daring and hilarious projects to date!

Featuring: Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Sophia Elisabeth, Richard Falkner, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Kenny King, Gareth Ruck and Isaac Heron (lights)

JACKSON STREET - THE SHORT AND INCOMPLETE HISTORY OF A VERY LONG STREET - Sundays 8, 15, 22 February and 1 March on Jackson Street, Petone - Part of Fringe Festival 2009 and Return Season 17,18, 25 October and 1 November

The Improvisors perform their first outdoor show for many years with a walking tour with a difference as they presented an incomplete history of New Zealand using Petone's own Jackson St & suggestions from the audience as their inspiration. History has never been funnier!

Featuring: Greg Ellis, Richard Falkner, Ian Harcourt and Gareth Ruck

With special thanks to The Jackson Street Programme and Creative Communities.

IMPROV - THE SECONDARY SCHOOL MUSICAL - February 17 - 21 @ Circa 2 - Part of Fringe Festival 2009

The Improvisors took on Disney with their own tribute to the "High School Musical" series. With the help of the audience The Improvisors made up a full length comedy musical that mixed high school angst, saccharine sweetness and improvised comedy.

"Remarkable crafting" Lynne Freeman, Capital Times

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Jeff Abbot, Simon Buxton, Sophia Elisabeth, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Sarah Harpur, Tim Holloway-Jones, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Jessica Manins, Gareth Ruck, Brad Zimmerman and Eleanor Williams (lights)

WINNER BEST COMEDY 2009 FRINGE AWARDS

THE NICE AND EARLY LATE SHOW - Sundays September 7 to October 19 @ Circa Theatre

For their last show of 2008 The Improvisors turned to their love of late night talk-shows. Its The Improvisors tribute to the eclectic and amusing world of the late show – but at 7:30pm! For 80 minutes the audience was treated to bogus celebrity interviews, musical performances and news stories.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Sarah Harpur, Tim Holloway-Jones, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Anna Kennedy, Jessica Manins, Evan McMahon, Gareth Ruck, Mark Scott, Steve Wrigley and Brad Zimmerman with Isaac Heron on lights.

IMPROV FM - Sundays August 3 to August 24 @ Circa Theatre (in collaboration with Radio NZ National)

A late addition to our 2008 line-up.

Many of The Improvisors have been providing voice for radio and television commercials for ages - some of them even record radio plays - but none of us had ever tried recording a radio broadcast from our spiritual home at Circa Theatre. Standing in front of a microphone - with only our wits and the assistance of sound and music maestros Robbie Ellis and Morgan Samuels - our team will recorded a variety of never before tried improv formats - the mockumentary, the song quest, the celebrity trolling through their music collection to create a show of the like never seen (or heard) before!

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Anna Kennedy, Gareth Ruck, Morgan Samuels and Steve Wrigley with Isaac Heron on lights.

THEATRESPORTS - Sundays April 27 - July 29 @ Circa - Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2008

With new law variations and the addition of 5 person teams and a referee the Paragon Cup competition wasn't stagnating in its 20th year. "The Other Side" walked away with the plasticware on the night handing Tim Gordon his 4th Paragon Cup victory and setting a new benchmark for longevity and success.

"Make sure you don't miss this fantastic night out." Theatreview

Featuring: "The Other Side" - Tim Gordon, Aaron Alexander, Deana Elvins, Felix Preval and Gareth Ruck, "We Own the Night" - Anna Kennedy, Richard Falkner, Jessica Manins, Nic Gorman, and Ian Harcourt "The Sabre Weilding Serks of Vitar 7" - Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Kenny King, Sarah Harpur and Mark Scott, "A Cup of Tea and A Lie Down" - Derek Flores,Tim Holloway-Jones, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Steve Wrigley, and Abby Marment, musos - Robbie Ellis and John Kingston, and Nell Williams on lights

IMPROV - THE ROCK OPERA - May 6 - 10 @ Circa 2 - Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2008

Following on from the success of 2007’s sell-out ‘Improv – The Musical’ came a new full-length improvised musical show from The Improvisors. This time the power chords are out for a show that will rocked audiences worlds.

With the help of the audience and live musos The Improvisors gave the finger to Broadway, raised the goats to Bon Jovi and let their hair down all the way past their collars.

"This team is nothing short of phenomenal...." - Theatreview

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Jeff Abbot, Greg Ellis, Robbie Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Mara Gold, Ian Harcourt, Sarah Harpur, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Jessica Manins, Gareth Ruck, Brad Zimmerman and Shamus Jackson (lights)

THE MULLET BROTHERS GO FOR GOLD - April 22 - 26 @ Blue Note - Part of International Comedy Festival 2008

Bogans take on the world at the Olympic Games when Naenae's very own Darren and Terry Mullet attempt to represent Godzone on the greatest athletic stage of all.
This is "Outrageous Fortune" on steroids (literally) and the audience is in complete control. Provide the sport, provide the plot and Greg Ellis and Billy T 2008 nominee Steve Wrigley provide the laughs in this sequel to their 2006 sell-out "The Mullet Brothers Save the World Again" which was described as 'near genius".

"Ellis and Wrigley are extremely good improvisers constructing the show and songs out of almost nothing, and work well together making the difficult look very easy." - Theatreview

Featuring: Greg Ellis, Steve Wrigley

SPOOKED - February 20 - 24 @ Circa 2 - Part of Fringe 2008

Ghosts, ghouls, spectres, phantasms and things that go bump in the night.

The Improvisors head off on a hilarious, creepy and totally improvised ghost train ride through Wellington's first comedy horror improv show. The audience provides the twists and turns for these tales of forces from beyond the grave and we provided the show that left you uncertain whether to laugh in the face of fear or simply scream!

To add to the scare factor for our performers we involved multimedia and brand new improvisation techinques to make Spooked a truly Fringe improvisation show.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Jamie Burgess, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Richard Falkner, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman , Ian Harcourt, Sarah Harpur, Tim Holloway-Jones, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Kenny King, Jessica Manins , Mark Scott, Steve Wrigley and Shamus Jackson (lights)

LOVE BOAT - MURDER AT SEA - June 23, July 13, August 11 & 24, September 14, October 26, November 16, 18, 23 & 30 and December 7,12 and 14 @ Wallaceville House

It’s 1980 and the world looks exotic and colourful, especially from the deck of our Luxury Liner the SS Wallaceville Duchess, as we set sail for fun and adventure, romance and intrigue, mystery and laughter and of course DEATH on the high seas.

Captain Stubbie and his crew of maritime misfits will navigate you through an ocean of homicidal hilarity, while YOU listen for the lies whispered on the Lido deck, YOU sniff out the secrets stalking the Promenade deck and in the end YOU solve the Murder Mystery!! So dive into the wardrobe for your 80s cruise wear and join us at dinner for some cruisin’ and accusin’ as …. Murder is a Guest at the Captains Table!

Featuring: Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Richard Falkner, Derek Flores, Nic Gorman , Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, David Hoskins, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Andrew Kaye, Kenny King, Abby Marment, Gareth Williams, Steve Wrigley

IMPROV IDLE - Sundays September 9 - October 21 @ Circa Theatre

Improv Idle returned for its 2nd, and possibly last, season in 2007. A great favourite with the audiences but not the players it saw the audience whittle down the players over successive rounds until only one performer reigned supreme.

After 6 shows the top 6 performers and an audience wild-card (once again Nic Gorman ) came together for the final in a sold-out Circa Theatre. The 2007 season of Improv Idle featured a changing of the guard with newer players such as Felix Preval and Abby Marment prominent and Richard Falkner the eventual winner.

Featuring (in order of final placing with last year's placing in brackets): Richard Falkner (15),Greg Ellis (4), Felix Preval (-), Tim Holloway-Jones (1), Ian Harcourt (5), Nic Gorman (6), Aaron Alexander (8), Abby Marment (7), Derek Flores (-), Pete Doile (11), Kenny King (-), Nik Jarvie-Waldrom (-), David Hoskins (12), Tim Gordon (10), Andrew Kaye (16), with musos John Kingston, David Hoskins, Steve Gallagher, and Shamus Jackson (lights)

THEATRESPORTS - Sundays May 6 - July 1 @ Circa (Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2007)

The sell-out success of Theatresports continued for another year in 2007.

In its 19th year the Paragon Cup was once again the object of fierce competition and despite new combinations and new performers "Poneke Improv Appreciation Society" took out the final. Team members Tim Gordon and Anna Kennedy enjoyed success again - adding to their Paragon Cup titles(Tim's in 1989 and 2004 and Anna's in 2006) and were joined by Nic Gorman and Dave Hoskins in their drive for the finals.

"A failsafe good night out." John Smythe - Theatreview

Featuring: "Poneke Improv Appreciation Society" - Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Dave Hoskins and Anna Kennedy, "Gags Ahoy!" - Richard Falkner, Tim Holloway-Jones, Felix Preval and Steve Wrigley, "Stuffed and Mountied" - Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Derek Flores, and Andrew Kaye, "The 4 Seasonings" - Aaron Alexander, Ian Harcourt, Kenny King and Abby Marment, musos - Luke Di Somma and John Kingston, and Shamus Jackson on lights

IMPROV - THE MUSICAL- May 10-12, and 14-15 @ Circa 2 (Part of NZ International Comedy Festival 2007)

The Improvisors finally took on the musical genre with this full-length fully improvised musical.

With months of singing and dancing practise behind us we laid waste to Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lerner & Loeb, Gilbert & Sullivan and Lloyd-Webber in a sell-out season to critical acclaim. Over the 5 show run audiences were treated to such gems as "Circus - The Musical", "Dial B for Bollywood" , "Beehive - The Musical" and a show featuring dwarves, the plague and the Middle-Ages.

"...a small miracle of creative achievement. Not to be missed." - John Smythe, Theatreview

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Luke Di Somma, Richard Falkner, Derek Flores, Steve Gallagher, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Dave Hoskins, Nik Jarvie-Waldrom, Andrew Kaye, Kenny King, John Kingston, Abby Marment, Steve Wrigley and Shamus Jackson on lights

CAMP - Sundays February 25, March 4, 11, 18 and 25 @ Circa 2 (Part of Fringe 2007)

Camp mixed soap opera histrionics and the kitsch Kiwiana of the classic camping holiday in one package as The Improvisors explored the underbelly of the family camping holiday..

The camp store, communal washing facilities and the ever dangerous trampoline - Salt-of the earth staff and long suffering locals dealt with a parade of long-term guests, short term visitors, sunburn, ham, beer, cards, reciprocal barbequeing, fishing trips, murder and illicit affairs!

Featuring: Tim Holloway-Jones, Steve Wrigley, Anna Kennedy, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Nic Gorman, Abby Marment, Aaron Alexander, Deana Elvins, Tim Gordon, Pete Doile, David Hoskins, Richard Falkner, Andrew Kaye, with musos John Kingston and Steve Gallagher, and Shamus Jackson on lights

24 HOUR IMPROVATHON - March 17 - 18 @ BATS Theatre

The Improvisors join force with the rest of the Wellington improv community to raise funds for World Vision. In 3 slots over the 24 Hours we presented a family-oriented Theatresports show, a Mullet Brothers special and a showing of Camp. In total the whole event raised more than $2000.00.

Featuring: Tim Holloway-Jones, Steve Wrigley, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Nic Gorman, Aaron Alexander, Deana Elvins, Pete Doile, Richard Falkner, Andrew Kaye

IMPROV IDLE - Sundays October 11 - November 5 @ Circa Theatre

Improv Idle was a brand new format for 2006 that was a bastard child of our earlier Theatresports MAX format and NZ Idol.

Eight Improvisors squared off every show to determine who was the night's funniest performer. This was done using the audience as judges - every round they voted for which of the bottom 3 scoring performers they wanted to stay and the person with the least votes was eliminated.

After 6 shows the top 6 performers and an audience wild-card came together on Guy Fawkes night for the final before a packed Circa Theatre. 2 times Theatresports MAX champ and current Theatresports champ Tim Holloway-Jones was announced the inaugural Improv Idle winner.

Featuring (in order of final placing): Tim Holloway-Jones, Steve Wrigley, Anna Kennedy, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Nic Gorman, Abby Marment, Aaron Alexander, Deana Elvins, Tim Gordon, Pete Doile, David Hoskins, Jon-Paul McGowan, Robbie Hunt, Richard Falkner, Andrew Kaye, with musos John Kingston, Luke Di Somma, Steve Gallagher, and Cyan Corwine and Sonal Patel (lights)

SCHOOL FOR MURDER - @ Wallaceville House

St. Wallace’s school had a long and storied history as one of the nation’s most esteemed educational establishments. It hosted princelings, children of industrialists, heirs and then murder! The stately dining hall and assembly room became the scenes of a crime that every schoolkid dreams of at least once in their lives – one of the teachers didn’t come out alive!

Featuring: Tim Holloway-Jones, Steve Wrigley, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Nic Gorman, Aaron Alexander, Deana Elvins, Pete Doile, Robbie Hunt, Richard Falkner, Andrew Kaye

SNAPSHOTS - September 12 - September 16 @ BATS Theatre

The Improvisors collaborate with Java Dance Company and singer Ila Scott for a show which combined top-ontch dance with music and improvisation. Java provided the dancers (aided by Simon Vincent), Ila provided the music and Steve Wrigley and Greg Ellis provided the comedy. Aided by actors Kate McGill and Jean Copland the show took a trip through the lives of women in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

"...this talented ensemble is pretty well guaranteed to bring you pleasure..." - John Smythe(Theatreview) - the full review here

"...one of the most lively, fun and interactive performances I have ever been to." - Jules van Cruysen (Salient)

Featuring: Steve Wrigley, Greg Ellis, Java Dance Company (Sacha Copland, Rosie Christie, Yasmine Ganley, Simon Vincent), Ila Scott, Jean Copland, Kate McGill

THEATRESPORTS - Sundays May 21 - July 16 @ Circa Theatre

The fierce competition for the Paragon Cup resumed after a year's hiatus. Once again 4 teams of comedy athletes put it all on the line for a chance to proclaim themselves Wellington Theatresports Champion.

Despite losing Nicola Vinten part way through the season and having to perform as a duo, "Nobody At Home" eventually triumphed before a sold out Circa Theatre and took the trophy. Scores - "Nobody At Home" 66, "The Improv Whisperers" 64 and "The Blackstreet Massive" 58.

"The Improvisors are good. No question" - Megan Fleming (The Lumiere Reader)

Featuring: "Blackstreet Massive" - Nic Gorman, Richard Falkner, Robbie Hunt, Steve Wrigley, "The Improv Whisperers" - Aaron Alexander, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, David Hoskins, "Nobody at Home" - Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Nicola Vinten, "This Won't Take Long" - Tim Bartlett, Pete Doile, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt

THE MULLET BROTHERS SAVE THE WORLD AGAIN - May 30 - June 3 @ BATS Theatre

The Improvisors first 2 person long-format improv show featured bogan brothers Terry and Darren Mullet accidentally saving the world each night. Threats to the world each night included: Matthew Ridge, George W Bush, Global Warming, Over-fishing and Diarrhoea induced Dehydration.

"Near Genius" - John Smythe (Theatre Review)

Featuring: Cyan Corwine, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, John Kingston and Steve Wrigley

SHOW US YOUR WILLY - May 17 - May 22 @ Circa Theatre

The Improvisors presented a comedy to get Bard up about. Each night featured a completely improvised Shakespearean play from well outside the established tradition as our brave cast of players gave the audience Willy the way they wanted it.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Michael Corballis, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Robbie Hunt, Anna Kennedy, Kenny King, Felix Preval, Nicola Vinten

THE CONTRALTOS - @ Wallaceville House

The Contraltos are a very disorganised crime family. Murder, disaster and chaos follow them wherever they go. Around a dinner a murder mystery unfolds with enough twists and turns to make an episode of The Sopranos look straightforward.

Featuring: Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Robbie Hunt, Nicola Vinten and Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS - Sundays October 17 - November 21 @ Circa Theatre

Twenty comedians squeezed themselves into 4 teams and submitted themselves to the whim of the audience and the scrutiny of a panel of judges to find who was Wellington’s funniest team of improvisers. As the final dust settled down "This Won't Take Long" held aloft the Paragon Cup as the Wellington Theatresports Champs.

Featuring: "Blackstreet Massive" - Nic Gorman, Ants Heath, Paul Glubb, Steve Wrigley, "Elaborate Fourplay" - Aaron Alexander, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Alysha MacAuley, "Idle" - Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Nicola Vinten, "This Won't Take Long" - Pete Doile, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt

TRIPPPLE SCOOP - May 11 - May 17 @ Circa Theatre

Three serves of creamy comedy in one night as we took 3 different types of television, movie and literary styles and mixed them with audience suggestions to create a night of comedy, laughter and mixed nuts!

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Eleanor Bishop, Pete Doile, Rowan Easton, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Michael Ness, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

WHEN IRISH EYES ARE DYING - @ Wallaceville House

The Parish of St. Viagra in the humble little Irish village of Drbbley never expected their annual steeple fund-raiser to become such a venue for intrigue and murder in a tale of nuns, priests, parish committees and a little parish that couldn't.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Deana Elvins, Nic Gorman, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Nicola Vinten and Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS LATE NIGHT - May 1 - May 8 @ Circa Theatre

Back and up past our bed-times! After a summer of resting bruised egos and massaging our comedy mojos back into shape we returned to bring audiences Theatresports later than they've ever seen it!

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Brian Hotter, Sully O'Sullivan, Felix Preval, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

THE NAME OF THE ROSE - @ Wallaceville House

A return to the murderous cloisters for another year of mayhem.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Ants Heath, Tim Holloway-Jones, Brian Hotter, Anna Kennedy, Nicola Vinten and Steve Wrigley

THE IMPROVISORS @ CIRCA - Sundays 17 November - 15 December @ Circa Theatre

Billed as "The Show that explains itself" - this was a Christmas season of 5 non-competitive Theatresports improv shows.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Rachel Callinan, Michael Corballis, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Brian Hotter, John Kingston, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS LATE NIGHT - May 7 - May 11 @ Circa Theatre

The original season of our late and loose late-night format.

Featuring: Rachel Callinan, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Ian Harcourt, Brian Hotter, Anna Kennedy, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

WHOSE RING IS IT ANYWAY? - May 5,6,12 and 13 @ Circa Theatre

Finally the Tolkein bandwagon slowed down long enough for us to jump on! Quests, wizards, fell villains and suggestions from the audience were the order of the day as we took on the entire fantasy genre using only the magic of improvisation and the bitter experience of failed “Lord of the Rings” auditions.

This show wasto be our longest and scariest improv challenge yet - one complete epic story.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Grant Beban, Rachel Callinan, Michael Corballis, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Brian Hotter, John Kingston, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

THE NAME OF THE ROSE - @ Wallaceville House

When murder happens in a monastery it can be a literary masterpiece that becomes a film, like Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" or it can be our version involving murderous monks, corrupt cardinals and audience suggestions.

Featuring: Aaron Alexander, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Ants Heath, Tim Holloway-Jones, Brian Hotter, Anna Kennedy, Nicola Vinten and Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS - THE WINTER SEASON - Sundays July - September 2001 @ Circa Theatre

A series of Sunday shows show-casing basic Theatresports games in a non-competitive format.

DEATHSTYLES OF THE RICH AND FAMOUS - @ Wallaceville House

A star-studded celebrity murder mystery set in the glamourous world of Hollywood. A post awards bash for has-been film star Holden Kingswood goes sour when the star himself is murdered. could it be his junkie girlfriend, retarded brother, dodgy manager or bitter rivals?

Featuring: Rachel Callinan, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Brian Hotter, Holly Shanahan, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS MAX REUNION SHOW - Sunday 22 October @ Circa Theatre

The Improvisors celebrated the company's 10th anniversary with a show featuring some of the companies founding fathers and mothers. Using the new Theatresports Max format the players duked it out for individual supremacy in Circa's main venue before a rampaging crowd. When the dust had settled original company Artistic Director Lori Dungey was crowned the supreme Improvisor.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Lori Dungey, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Robert Pollock, Mark Wright

THEATRESPORTS MAX - Sundays August - October @ Circa Theatre

With a return to the ultra-competitive individual Theatresports Max format Greg Ellis and Anna Kennedy looked for an opportunity to defeat two time Theatresports Max champion Tim Holloway-Jones. In a tight battle where the lead changed several times over the season Greg managed to topple Tim Jones from his top spot.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Rachel Callinan, Michael Corballis, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Felix Preval, Nicola Vinten, Steve Wrigley

SHOW US YOUR WILLY - April 27 - May 3 @ Circa Theatre

The Improvisors presented a comedy to get Bard up about. Each night featured a completely improvised Shakespearean play from well outside the established tradition as our brave cast of players gave the audience Willy the way they wanted it.

Featuring: Lindsay Brown, Michael Corballis, Pete Doile, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Kenny King, Felix Preval, Nicola Vinten, Matt Wilson

TORU TORU TORU - February 29 to March 5 @ Circa Theatre

Kamikaze Comedy first performed in 1996 returns for The Improvisors' 10th Anniversay.

RAW - @ Indigo Bar

An experimental improv format that saw one team defend its title everyweek against all-comers in a battle of improvisation that had no rules - except the funniest team survives.

KELSON AND KRYSTELLE GET HITCHED - @ Wallaceville House

The final in the Wingate family saga that began so long ago with "The Wedding of Karen and Kevin" sees young Kelson Wingate get married to Krystelle Melling. But family history should have warned the happy couple to prepare for murder!

THEATRESPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPS - October 3 @ Wellington Opera House

The last ever Theatresports National Championships was one of the closest fought ever. Unfortunately for the Wellington team they were pipped at the post in a dramatic final round by a star-studded Auckland team.

Featuring: "Auckland" - Geoff Dolan, Oliver Driver, Craig Parker, Cal Wilson, "Christchurch" - Greg Cooper, Richard Cosgrove, Andie Spargo, Simon Young, "Wellington" - Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy

THEATRESPORTS CLASSIC - Sundays August - September @ Circa Theatre

The last ever Theatresports National Championships was one of the closest fought ever. Unfortunately for the Wellington team they were pipped at the post in a dramatic final round by a star-studded Auckland team.

Featuring: Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Stuart Grant, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston

THEATRESPORTS MAX - Sundays May - July @ Circa Theatre

Tim Jones successfully defended his 1998 MAX title.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Lindsay Brown, Rachel Callinan, Michael Corballis, Caroline Ellis, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Stuart Grant, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Steve Wrigley

THEATRESPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPS - @ The James Hay Theatre

A three man Wellington team fronted up in a packed James Hay Theatre full of one-eyed Cantabrians only to be narrowly defeated by the home team.

Featuring: "Wellington" - Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt

THEATRESPORTS CLASSIC - Sundays September - November @ Circa Theatre

As a way to unwind from the frenetic MAX competition The Improvisors staged a season of non-competitive Theatresports.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Jeff Boyd, Caroline Ellis, Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Peter Jamieson, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Gentiane Lupi, Juliet O'Brien, Simon Smith, Chris Yu

THEATRESPORTS MAX - Sundays June - August @ Circa Theatre

Tim Jones became the first everMAX champion after dominating a new Theatresports format that saw indivdual players rather than teams receive points from the audience judges. To make things even more like the world of sports Theatresports MAX assigned degrees of difficulties to every game from the benign Double Figure Expert to the diabolical Backwards Scene! This season featured Wellington's only ever brother/sister rivalry when Greg Ellis went head-to-head with his sister Caroline.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Caroline Ellis, Greg Ellis, Richard Fabling, Melissa Forman, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Gavin Todd, Chris Yu

STIR - February 21 - February 25 @ Circa Theatre

The improvised soap opera returns for its second stretch.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Greg Ellis, Susan Fogarty, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, April Mardell, Chris Yu

IMPROZAC - @ Indigo Bar

Stand-up comedy meets late night Theatresports as The Improvisors' bravest ventured into the lion's den of a packed bar for fast and loose comedy.

Featuring: Greg Ellis, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy

GONE WITH THE WINGATES - @ Wallaceville House

TheWingate family saga continues - Kevin and Karen have divorced and Kevin has just won Lotto! Gathering his family around him, including his 21 year old son Kelson and Kelson's girlfriend Krystelle, Kevin is determined to share out his wealth. However things are complicated in this "Who Deserves It?" when Kevin's ex Karen Wallace shows up.

THEATRESPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPS - @ The Bruce Mason Theatre

Wellington makes the top two again but miss out to an Auckland team featuring TV funny-men Oliver Driver and Mark Wright.

Featuring: "The Improvisors " - Lori Dungey, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon

THE HERCULES FILES - July 6 - July 17 @ Circa Theatre

The Improvisors turn their sights on Greek Mythology in this improvised comedy show for kids.

KELSON'S CHRISTENING - May - August @ Wallaceville House

Karen and Kevin Wingate have had a beautiful baby boy. Cue the family fireworks in this installment of The Wingate Saga.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Jeff Boyd, Matt Cuthell, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, Jolene Langman, Soozee Maxwell, Anna Mowatt, Chris Yu

STIR - April 29 - May 3 @Circa Theatre

Wellington's first improvised soap-opera sees 4 hapless prisoners deal with life in a medium security prison. The incompetent Linton brothers, enigmatic former hippy Weedy and the socially confused OG made their way through the trials and tribulations of lag with the help of the Warden, Nurse Munro and the XO Mr. Nguyen.

Featuring: Tim Bartlett, Greg Ellis, Dave Fane, Steve Gallagher, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Hamish Oliver, Chris Yu

TOSSED & TURNED - April 28 -May 3 @ Circa Theatre

The Improvisors explored the new age relationship phenomenon, using Group Gestalt Therapy so extreme it broke every funny bone in the body. Our Californian trained counsellors Eric Bladder Cooper and Hok Fu Wok attempted to answer the questions -Love: What is it? Where is it? Does it always have to be so sticky?

Featuring: Greg Ellis, Steve Gallagher, Ian Harcourt, Tim Holloway-Jones, Anna Kennedy, John Kingston, Peter Jamieson, Chris Yu

TORU TORU TORU - @ Circa Theatre

Kamikaze Comedy created when 3 improvised stories are performed in one night.

Each story is in a different style or genre - so in one night the audience may see a Teen Slasher film, a Shakespeare and a Mills and Boon-style romance created by the same cast of eight.

The structure allows for the first reel, act or chapters of the first story to be played out, then the first reel, act or chapters of the second story is performed and finally the third story is played.Then we return to the first story and improvise the second section, then the second section of the second story and then the same for the third. Finally we return to conclude the first story, conclude the second and then conclude the third.

NGAIRE'S WAKE - @ Wallaceville House

When Wingate family matriarch Ngaire passes away the family is in an uproar over the will. Who will inherit the family's extensive properties in Taita and Naenae and Ngaire's collection of vintage Toranas. Luckily for all involved there's an audience there to help decide the deserving from the undeserving when the will is read out.

CHATEAU WALLACE DU VILLE - @ Wallaceville House

Wallaceville House is transformed into a beautiful 18th Century French Chateau in this dinner-theatre farce. Can the elderly head of the family stop the evil cardinal from marrying his daughter and ensuring the family land falls into the hands of the church? Can the humble peasant boy win the heart of the noble maiden? Its all in the hands of the audience.

THEATRESPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPS - @ The State Opera House

In front of a home crowd Wellington's "The Improvisors" triumphed in a packed Statre Opera House.

Featuring: "The Improvisors " - Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Ian Harcourt

THE WEDDING OF KAREN AND KEVIN - @ Wallaceville House

Only in the world of The Improvisors can you keep killing the same poor mother-in-law for more than one year!

THE WEDDING OF KAREN AND KEVIN - @ Wallaceville House

The show that began the long-running Wingate saga at Wallaceville House. Kevin Wingate has just married the beautiful Karen Wallace when things start to go wrong. First the chef destroys the wedding dessert then uninvited guests threaten to de-rail things - especially Karen's twin sister nad ex-lover. Just when the wedding can't seem to get more disasterous the Kevin's Mum Ngaire is murdered and he needs the help og the guests to find the killer!

COMMONWEALTH COMEDY CLASH - March 5 - @ St. James Theatre

Teams from New Zealand, Canada and Australia compete together in a one-off evening of Theatresports for the second NZ International Festival of the Arts. New Zealand was the victor.

Featuring: "New Zealand" - Greg Ellis, Liz Mullane, Mark Wright

THEATRESPORTS NATIONAL CHAMPS - @ The Aotea Centre

"The Improvisors" triumph over Auckland in front of their home crowd and a national TV audience.

Featuring: "The Improvisors " - Lori Dungey, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Liz Mullane

NOT TONIGHT GOD I'VE GOT A HEADACHE - December - @ Bats Theatre

An irreverent look at the Christmas story using song, dance and some of the wildest costumes ever to feature outside the World of Wearable Arts!

Featuring: Lori Dungey, Greg Ellis, Tim Gordon, Liz Mullane, Hamish Rothwell

UNITED THEATRESPORTS ON HOLIDAY - May 14 - 25 @ Bats Theatre

An improvised kids school-holiday show about a family on a holiday trip from hell.

ADULTS GUIDE TO LOVE IN THE 90s - May 14 - 25 @ Bats Theatre

The original inspiration for "Tossed & Turned" featured Drs. Eric and Lavinia Bladder-Cooper taking a hapless "couple" from the audience to help them turn their dysfunctional relationship around.

UNITED THEATRESPORTS - November 8, 15, 22, 29 @ The James Cabaret

SUSPECT - February 23 - March 31 @ Circa Theatre

The show that started it all. An improvised Murder Mystery with elements of Cluedo that gave rise to the company that is The Improvisors.