What happens when you mash together two iconic films live on stage? Hilarity ensues
!South Australia’s longest running, internationally recognised improv comedy troupe, Changing Jennifer, brings Improvised Movie Mash-Up to the Adelaide Fringe. In a showcase of creativity and quick-witted comedy, they blend two celebrated films into one unpredictable and comical experience.
The premise of the show is simple: the cast—Sam, Eden and Will— armed only with audience suggestions and their improv skills, reimagine scenes from two of the audience’s favourite films. The films we chose? Legally Blonde and Reservoir Dogs.
What makes this mash-up shine is the cast’s ability to maintain each film’s integrity while weaving them together into a relatively coherent yet hilarious narrative.
Legally Blonde’s L Brooks (not Elle Woods) finds herself in the violent, morally corrupt world of Reservoir Dogs. This leads to a slew of absurdly funny situations. Meanwhile, Mr Blonde, Mr Red, Mr Yellow and Mr Multicolour attempt to navigate the lively Harvard law-student world of L to kill her. It is a peculiar but captivating juxtaposition.
The show relies on the improv skills of the cast, and they do not disappoint. The energy is high, and the audience is fully immersed, never knowing what will come next but enjoying the ride.
When L is first introduced, she hands an audience member her invisible dog. This person dutifully holds the dog until L is ready to leave, then returns the invisible dog. This commitment to the bit from both the cast and audience is a testament to the show’s engagement. The humour comes thick and fast, with moments of clever dialogue, physical comedy, and witty one-liners.
Over one hour, we experience .
We are taken on a journey as L becomes a lawyer on her own terms. As jealous Harvard Law students, Mr Red and Mr Blonde plot to kill L so she doesn’t get a job at Fowler and Fouler Legal People. As contract law Professor, Harrison “Jackson” Witherby faces inner turmoil to break free of the legal mould, much to the chagrin of the Dean, Timothy.
For fans of improv comedy, pop culture, and sheer unpredictability, Improvised Movie Mash-Up is a Fringe highlight that delivers the LOLs.
My twelve-year-old sums it up best, “it’s because it was so stupid that it was so good”.