You don’t often get to speak to people outside a venue not knowing they are the act you are coming to see, and telling them about being a reviewer. Some of their friends arrived and they said this is our reviewer. They joked to their friends that this was the actual review not the show.
So on to the show… In a city that thrives on stories, Rumourville delivers a spontaneous rollercoaster of scandal, suspicion, and side-splitting comedy — all stitched together from the seed of one innocent audience-supplied rumour. The result? A riotously funny hour of sharp improv that feels both intimate and wildly inventive.
Each performance of Rumourville starts with a verb, noun and abjective (I had a Peter Griffin moment, what is a hypothesis) written down by each member of the crowd. What unfolds is various stories based on each of the chosen verbs, noun and abjective.
The ensemble cast is impressively quick-witted, bouncing off each other with seamless chemistry. Their ability to weave complex narratives on the fly — complete with callbacks, character arcs, and spontaneousness — speaks to both their training and creative synergy. The format, loosely structured but confidently executed, allows for moments of unexpected brilliance and joyful chaos.
What sets Rumourville apart from other improv shows is its subtle satire echoed in the absurd tales conjured on stage. No two shows are ever the same, and therein lies its magic.
While the occasional scene stumbled into comedic dead-ends, the cast’s ability to recover — often by breaking the fourth wall or roasting themselves — kept energy levels high and the audience firmly on side.
Reviewer Score: A whispered 5/5. Don’t miss this one.
Reviewers Verdict: Rumourville is an improvised gem that thrives on community spirit and comic spontaneity. Whether you’re a Brighton local or just visiting, this is a show where your rumour might just become the next town scandal. Bring your best whisper — and your loudest laugh.
