The Standard (Zimbabwe)

Do not miss next Impro Show

- BY ROSIE MITCHELL

We experience­d our first Impro Show at Reps Theatre recently. I am almost ashamed to admit we would never been along to one of these before, as they are a regular occurrence, and always very popular with audiences. They are exactly what they sound like — improvised theatre, requiring nerves of steel and very quick-witted thinking on the part of the seasoned actors who put up these shows. each segment involves a “game”, in which the master of ceremony for the evening — also one of the acting participan­ts — reads out what the actors must attempt, without any script or direction, to portray for the audience. There is a fair bit of audience participat­ion too, though not at all the kind to make you squirm — rather, on request from the master of ceremony, you are invited to call out settings or objects or actions or scenarios if you like, for the next game. This ensures that every night’s show is complete- ly different, even if some games themselves are repeated. The end result is an uproarious­ly funny evening’s entertainm­ent which had us splitting our sides laughing — and laughter really is a very good tonic, especially if you are feeling glum or overwhelme­d by life. The merry crew who put on these shows generally every couple of months, plan to increase their frequency to around once a month, given their popularity, so look out for the next one. Now that I have finally tried an Impro Show out for myself, I certainly don’t intend missing it.

Today is the annual Verandah Gallery Charity Art exhibition, always worth attending. It is a very social occasion, and you might just decide to buy a wonderful work of art by a talented local artist that you fancy, too. Proceeds go to a very good cause; the emerald Hill Children’s Home and School for the Deaf. This is the 24th edition; what a credit to organiser Anna Fleming, for continuing what started as a once-off great idea, and has been held every year since. As usual, lovely mellow music will be provided by popular Detema Jazz Band, and wine by Da Vino Wines plus food and other refreshmen­ts will be available too. This runs 10am to 4pm at 16 Woodholme Road, emerald Hill.

The Spar Fun Run and Walk is another regular annual event which is very social and enjoyable, and again, proceeds all go to a great cause, Childline, which offers a kind listening ear, empathy and practical help for children in abusive situations with nowhere to turn. This takes place on Saturday August 15 at Old Georgians Sports Club. There will be an exciting and fun guided warm up with Innovate and Salsa's at 8am, and the 10 km run and 5km walk start at a very civilised 9am (not the usual crack of dawn for running events). entry is just $5 and includes a T shirt and pre-registrati­on will be available. Full catering and bar will be available on the day, plus great entertainm­ent for all ages, giveaways and competitio­ns. The event is generously sponsored by Spar once again, and assistance is being provided by Round Table Harare Number 1. Check out

for more — and make sure you come along to enjoy all the fun, plus some healthy family exercise and camaraderi­e in the sun, and all in a good cause for children in need of vital, confidenti­al assistance in terrible situations.

Today, you could pop along and take a beautiful morning walk (or run or cycle) on the marked trails through the Mukuvisi Woodlands. The Sunday Woodlands WalkRun-ride continues to be very popular and there are nowadays plenty of regulars who look forward to this every week.

So it’s social — if you want it to be — or you can just get lost in the scenery, wildlife and your own thoughts, on a solitary ramble! earlier this year, Bushbuck joined the happy family of wildlife species you can spot at Mukuvisi Woodlands. Most recently, exciting news is that the magnificen­t Sable has been added too.

Horseback safaris are a popular and very enjoyable way of viewing the many game species you can find in this “Touch of the Wild in the Heart of the City” — so go along and enjoy this national treasure — today or any time — the Mukuvisi Woodland Nature Reserve is open every day of the year. Visit

for more.

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