Laughter without scripts! (Whose Line is it Anyway?)

Member Name: ItalianFran92

Product:	Whose Line is it Anyway?
Date:	01/02/09 (74 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Funny, great cast

Disadvantages: US editions is quite grating at times

I'm writing this review about both the UK and US versions.

Whose line Is It Anyway? Originally a radio programme until it became a TV show on Channel 4 in the UK. It became so popular that when it finished in 1998, the American channel ABC picked it up and it became an equal success in the US. It is all about improvisation, there's no scripts or rehearsal everything is made up on the spot, there is a panel of four and the host, no door is left unopened as they cover evrything from singing to audience involvement.

In the UK edition, Clive Anderson is the host. He keeps things under control and takes suggestions from the audience as to what the next scene should include. Anderson also adds his own humour and together with the performers the show keeps you laughing.

The four performers work to get points even though the points don't mean much (which we are constantly reminded in the US edition), they do this by improvising sketches, routines or sometimes the sing songs in the form of a hoedown or rap.

Appearances on the show as the performers included John Sessions (slightly perfected to say it was meant to be on the spot), Tony Slattery (who went on to be loads of other shows), Paul Merton (who went on to better things) Josie Lawrence (not many females took place but Josie was one of the best), Sandi Toksvig (very good at improvisation), Mike McShane (this was his debut and then went on to other comedies), Greg Proops (made many appearances and had the same manor as John Sessions), Stephen Fry (who is a comedy genius), Colin Mochrie ( who went on to the do the US version) and Ryan Stiles (who also then went on to do the American version and in my opinion was the best at what he did in both shows).

Drew Carey is the host of the US edition that took the UK version and made it much more insane. Carey is much more involved than Anderson often joining the panel on stage ad taking part in various scenes. Carey and Ryan Stiles constantly bicker and Stiles often taes the mick out of Carey when he performs but it's all in good faith.

The UK version can be found on Dave and the US version on Five US, both are worth a watch but be prepared for how embellished the US version is compared to UK.

A DVD is available which shows seasons 1 and 2 of the UK edition and can be bought for £27.99 at hmv.com.

Summary: Bound to make you laugh!