The concept of live, improvised comedy may sound relatively harmless, but this branch of the humour business is surprisingly rich with intrigue. Impro – as older UK acts tend to call it – has left a trail of cliques, furious comedians and contentious TV shows in its wake. They even argue about what actually constitutes improvisation.
Another criticism aimed at Whose Line ...? was its supposed smugness, as Oxbridge-educated comics showed off their cultural knowledge and alienated much of the audience. "They used to have the 'authors game', but it wasn't necessary," Steen concedes. "It's a far more accessible form of entertainment for the general public than the TV show allowed. We've taken the show all over the world, for all kinds of people."
The brainchild of the US comic Paul Provenza, Set List is a live event and forthcoming TV show in which individual comics must instantly conjure a stand-up routine from random subjects. “I’ve done it and it’s fantastic,” enthuses Steen. “But I’ve seen people in the dressing room literally white-faced before they go on.”
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