The Upper Crass Players improv troupe was formed in 2016 and has been performing regularly at a wide variety of venues in Sydney, Australia.

The Upper Crass Players are Atlas Adams, Brenton Amies, Steve Charlton, Alice Furze, Rosemary Nicholas, Tommy Green, James Hartley, James Shepherd, Michael Smith, and Kat Tait.

Brenton Amies, Tommy Green, and James Hartley won Impro Australia’s Scriptless Cup in 2018.

Watch our past shows on Youtube!

reviews

Lisa Thatcher wrote about our 2017 Sydney Fringe show A Serious Business that “part of the serious pleasure of A Serious Business is the emphasis each performer places on their role as actor acting. Not only are performances and scenarios very funny, but the role between the actor and the performance is engaging and intimate also...Upper Crass Players is a fun and clever troupe, who know how to have a lot of fun yet keep a tight professional grip on the ruffle that makes improv so light while engaging. I found the time watching far too short, and very funny. This is a charming and warm show that gives off a sense of connection, despite the schizophrenic energies of Improv. A lovely light and fun hour of theatre.”

The Buzz From Sydney wrote about A Serious Business saying “the end result was a lot of fun...the group riffed off each other well...a great way to kick off the night!”

Talking Arts wrote about our 2016 Sydney Fringe show Naughty, Stupid, Sexy that “in terms of creativity, spontaneity and courage I would say Naughty, Stupid, Sexy is a solid show...The troupe are clearly in tune with each others strengths and jump into the story telling with the ease and abandon we would expect when paying to see a long form improvised show...Did they make me laugh? Yes. Were they worth seeing? Absolutely. I will be very excited to see where this group of actors travels to and what they create in the future.”

Molong Online wrote about our 2016 show Packed Lunch that “the fervour and zest of these performers covered all ills. Most importantly, their professionalism shone through...These performers unfailingly accepted and offered more, and it was wonderful to see them supporting each other so wholeheartedly.”

Sydney Arts Guide wrote about Packed Lunch that “the bright cast entertained and amused the crowd...the scenarios presented were cheerfully disconcerting and the responses by the actors from the show’s troupe, The Upper Crass Players, were dramatic, sharp and witty...Their bright performances were the strength of this production...and their enthusiasm, diverse skills and joyous humour were a real delight. They quickly produced dramatic storylines to engage the audience in both a thoughtful and playful experience...Summing up, Packed Lunch was a highly entertaining show. The audience responded well to the talent and vibrancy of the performers.”

In 2017 the Upper Crass Players taught improv workshops at Spark Youth Theatre. The participants were asked to give their feedback in an anonymous survey. We received back eight surveys. Participants were asked to record their response on a scale of 0 (not at all) to 10 (very much).

1. Did you enjoy your time with the Upper Crass Players? Average response: 9.75

2. Did you learn more about improvisation and improv games? Average response: 8.25

3. Were your mentors helpful and supportive? Average response: 9.25

4. Would you be interested in more improv workshops with the Upper Crass Players if you didn’t have HSC? Average response: 9.75

Additional written comments:

• Amazing!!! You should do another workshop!

• The only reason I didn’t learn much was because I’ve been doing these all my life as well as going to lot of Theatresports shows. (Please don’t be offended you guys were great).