NY Adventures

SCHOOL OF FOOLS

A horse walks into a bar. The barman says: "So why the long face?"

The horse replies: "Well, fossils of Parahippus, the first species of horse to have elongated skulls, have been discovered in early Miocene localities dating back 24 million years, so I guess it's down to evolution and genetics. Bloody Mary please."

No, it's not funny, but then I haven't had lessons. That's where the folk at the PIT come in.

By night, the People's Improv Theatre is another New York comedy club, albeit far more intimate and informal than most. The reception area is a bright cosy living room littered with worn sofas, magazines and colourful canvas, caricatures of Hulk Hogan and Adam West that could menace small children to death. Throughout the day the PIT is a school where students can learn the craft of improvisational comedy, through a timetable of award-winning classes and courses.

Can't make it to the Musical Improv Level 2 eight week course every Sunday evening? Fear not. Seek out the anonymous red door, tucked away next to Subway, and head up to the first floor for Happy Hour every Friday at 6pm. Grab a cold beer for $3 and chew over whether you want to be part of the show. Everyone's welcome to throw their name in to star in the spotlight, though hiding on the back row isn't frowned upon either.

There are professional comedians here, aspiring actors and students of improv honing their skills. Audience members mix with PIT graduates, take a suggestion from the crowd and improvise 15 minute's worth of sketches. The pace is brutal. Gags fly back and forth and round and down, so fast it's a frenzy to follow. There are more acts to see at the end of the hour, though you'll have to be quick in booking tickets for these.

A funny, first-rate way to start a Friday night in New York City.

The PIT Theatre
154 West 29th Street, between Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Manhattan
http://www.thepit-nyc.com/

THE WHITE HORSE BRIGADE