Interview: Aaron Weight talks “Spin-a-Play”

July 2023

Aaron Weight is Director and Producer of improvised comedy group Insert Laughter Here. The group are making their London debut this August at the Camden Fringe with Spin-a-Play: a show which sees a spinning wheel and audience suggestions at the heart of each performance. “Spin-a-Play” will be at The Museum of Comedy on the 10th and 11th August and here, Aaron chats about the show, its style and substance, and what makes him laugh most.

Let’s start at the start: tell me a little bit about Spin-a-Play.

‘Spin-a-Play’ is basically what it says on the tin – we’ll be spinning up a new play. It’s a completely improvised comedy show where we create a “brand new” play using suggestions from the audience and a giant spinning wheel.

How does this piece relate to your previous work – is this new territory or more of a natural progression?

We’ve (Insert Laughter Here) been doing short-form improvised comedy (like ‘Whose Line is it Anyway’ / ‘Mock The Week’) since 2019 and I’ve been wanting to move over to long-form for a while, this is the format I’ve devised to fit that bill. Our skills have transferred over nicely, but there’s also been a lot to learn, develop and improve – it’s been a really fun challenge!

And Spin-a-Play centres on improvised fun – what would you say are the cornerstones of successful improv?

For me, it’s a willingness to let go and accept being a fool. Not being afraid of the idea of not knowing what’s going to be happening on stage, but safe in the knowledge that your teammates are there with you, and that it’s probably going to be very funny. A lot of people tend to think improv is scary, but I think it’s actually one of the most freeing things you can do – when you accept that you’re not defined by a script the possibilities are literally endless and I love it.

How would you describe the style of this show? Can we expect music, physical theatre, circus or abstract performance art at the helm?

The short answer is “yes”. Expect all of those things. Or none of them. We don’t know yet; it really depends on what the audience gives us to play with. My advice would be if you want to see a particular style of theatre or performance, shout it out and we’ll make it happen. The show is a fast-paced surreal mix of genres, archetypes, clichés, impersonations and anything can happen. The only thing we can guarantee is that it will be funny.

Are there trigger warnings or age restrictions to be aware of?

We recommend our show is for ages 16+ since it can – and very often does – contain mature content and swearing. We’ve had some “steamy” suggestions in the past and we’re not afraid to play up to them so we politely and respectfully advise our audiences to use their discretion when considering whether to book.

Some quick fire questions for you now then! You’re offering audiences big laughs with this show, so tell me: who makes you laugh most?

Discounting the easy/cheesy answer of “my team” I’d have to say Bill Bailey, his particular brand of whimsical surrealism coupled with spectacular musical ability is a combination I cannot resist. My team are also very funny too, obviously.

LOVE Bill Bailey. Great choice. And the best show you’ve seen this year?

A new play called ‘Village Idiot’. An outrageously audacious comedy with a big heart, set in a small village in the path of the development works for HS2. It was shocking, bold, brave and absolutely hilarious. It also had a really incredible handbrake-turn shift of tone and style in the final act which capped the piece off beautifully.

Sounds like one I’d like to see. Dream role or venue to play?

I’d love to play Sweeney Todd or The Phantom in ‘of the opera’ – everyone loves a villain don’t they? Sadly my singing ability precludes me from those roles, but I’d gladly give them a punt in one of our shows! I got to play a Faustian demon in one of our previous plays, ‘The Man with the Golden Bun’ and that was very enjoyable indeed.

Ha! A comedy version definitely sounds like a good option for you then. Your own tastes and influences when it comes to theatre/ live work?

I love comedy. I love to laugh so comedy is always number one on my list when looking for shows to see. Influence wise, I’m a huge fan of The Showstoppers, Austentatious, The Noise Next Door, Degrees of Error – all for their improvisational prowess; but also companies like Mischief Theatre and Complicité for their incredibly physical comedy – I will never forget being absolutely blown away by the performances in the latter’s ‘A Minute Too Late’ when I saw it on a school trip.

And finally, in one line or less, why should audiences come along to see Spin-a-Play this August?

We need some crazy suggestions, and you’ll have an absolute blast, I promise.

So there you have it! You can see “Spin-a-Play” at The Museum of Comedy on the 10th and 11th August 2023 at 8.30pm – more information and tickets can be found here.