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EDINBURGH 2013: The BWW:UK Q&A - Jules Munn from IMPROMPTU SHAKESPEARE

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Tell us a little bit about the show.

Well, we make up a Shakespeare play every day. It's as simple (and as complex) as that sounds. Shakespeare stopped writing a while ago, and everyone knows the good ones, so we thought we would add a few more to the list!

What's the attraction of improv?

Having no idea what you are doing is so exhilarating! It's a complete lack of safety net. You get onstage with your team, grab a suggestions and see what happens. The connection between all the people in the room is so immediate and unmoderated.

What's your favourite Shakespeare play and why?

King Lear. I saw a fantastic production in London when I was about twenty, so it's strongly associated with that time, discovering all the different plays at uni. And it's all about love and loyalty (I think), which are very important things to me.

When were you happiest?

Kissing someone truly amazing in a dark street for an hour during an electrical storm.

What is your greatest fear?

Not keeping up onstage.

What is your earliest memory?

Probably age 4, in the first house we lived in. I remember being too little to be able to get off the loo properly so I would grab hold of one of the coats that hung behind the door. Also the taps, which were shaped like Clangers faces.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?

JJ Burnel from the Stranglers. No-nonsense, talented and with enough wisdom now to irrigate even the most foolish mind-field.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Laziness. Oh, and maybe being a tiny tiny tiny bit pretentious. A tiny bit.

Where would you like to live?

Where I do. In London, with all the awesome stuff that is happening with the improvisation there right now.

What makes you unhappy?

Washing up. And cleaning things.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

'It's like when' and every expletive. I was very proud the first time I did a show without swearing.

What is the best job you've done?

Any improvisation show, and teaching it too. Not like a job really.

Cat or dog?

Dog. Large one, with long hair. I have terrible dog envy.

If you could go back in time, where would you go?

1978 to witness the Punk revolution in New York's CBGB's.

Where would you most like to be right now?

Onstage. With people I love and trust.

Tell us a secret.

I'm pretty shy and terrified of everything. But improv gets you through that.

Impromptu Shakespeare is at Underbelly on Cowgate 2:10pm daily until Sunday 25th August. For future dates and info, see www.impromptushakespeare.com.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Direction of a Play - Top 3
1. Joe Mantello - Death of a Salesman
19.4% of votes
2. Duncan MacMillan, Jeremy Herrin - Every Brilliant Thing
18.2% of votes
3. Whitney White - Liberation
10.2% of votes

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