Hoping they can stay awake

Improv group will host continuous 26-hour show to raise money for QEH

“I think we’re all acting super pumped now but we forget how difficult it was even just to stay awake.” Graham Putnam

Local improv group, The Popalopalots, is once again putting members’ stamina and comedic timing to the test in a marathon show scheduled for the end of March.

The Popalopalots will take to the The Guild stage for 26 hours straight to raise money for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

The marathon takes place March 30 and 31 and is presented by The Guild with title sponsor, Coldwell Banker Parker Realty.

This is the second time the group has held a marathon fundraiser. Two years ago, it raised $3,000 and hope to raise more this year.

Group member, Rob MacDonald, says a storm might have affected the turnout last time.

“It was a pretty bad storm. We even left the stage to help a lady get her car un-stuck.”

Those interested can purchase tickets to the first two-hour show and the last two-hour show. For the 22 hours in between, it’s pay what you want.

The audience can come and go as they please. But Dillan Millar remembers one fan who stuck out the whole 26 hours at the last fundraiser.

“He stayed the entire time and now has free cover to all of our shows.”

Cameron MacDonald thinks the show may be harder on the cast than last time.

“I think we’re going to have a hard time getting along this year,” he laughed.

The show starts with a usual Popalopalots performance, then for 22 hours they have scheduled games and activities. They take suggestions from the audience for an engaging show.

Cameron was pranked last time.

The audience created a fake word and the actors pretended it was real. Cameron wondered why he didn’t know the word and started to panic.

“I was the only one who didn’t know the word, so I thought, ‘what are the signs of a stroke?”

Graham Putnam is worried he doesn’t remember how hard it was.

“I think we’re all acting super pumped now but we forget how difficult it was even just to stay awake.”

Caseley is going to do at least one thing differently this time around.

“This year I’ll be eating more fruit. We had so much junk last time.”