The ARTSpace is a small, intimate studio above The De Beauvoir Arms in Haggerston, just a short walk away from the station. Entering the pub we are immediately greeted by a friendly atmosphere, and after buying a drink I was ready to see some entertaining improvised comedy.

The Free Association is an improv collective that besides providing stellar comedy performances also offers improv training. They are the improvisers in residence at The ARTSpace and the hosts of this comedy night, where I had the chance to see the Level 3 class, a group who just finished the Free Association training programme; ‘Do Not Adjust Your Stage’, an improv group formed in 2010; and, finally, The Free Association with their guest star Ralf Little.

Improvisation is very difficult to review because there are countless things that can influence the performers. Today, however, all three groups brought energy, spontaneity and clever humour that left all of us in stitches. Each performance followed the same formula, where scene follows scene almost instantly, without giving the audience or the performers any time to breathe. All three groups use association to create these spontaneous scenes. DNAYS made an audience member talk about themselves for a long (one might say too long) time to gain inspiration, and Free Association used the hilarious anecdotes of Ralf Little’s life, but the most effective and impressive form was the Level 3 class’s approach, who were able to create countless scenarios from just one word given by the audience. And while they seemed the least experienced group, they seemed to have the most chemistry. Again, this is unfair to say – improv is unpredictable and you never know which jokes will land and be successful.

What is for certain is that the form works: all three groups used the power of association and repetition to create a sense of familiarity in their scenes. With every reference to previous improv scenes or the stories that inspired them, these groups quickly form inside jokes with the audience and that is how they pull us in; it becomes our joke, not just theirs. The performers are quick on their feet and are able to create a scene out of thin air instantly – they are all truly masters of improvisation. The evening had a very friendly and laid-back vibe, and is certainly recommended if you are looking for a good laugh.

The Free Association is playing at The ARTSpace on a regular basis. For more information and tickets, see The ARTSpace website.