Forget everything you think you know about improvised comedy. Kiell Smith-Bynoe, the beloved star of BBC's Ghosts and Taskmaster, has returned to the Soho Theatre with a show that is as brilliantly unhinged as it is hilarious.
'Kool Story Bro' is less a structured performance and more a delightful descent into comedic chaos. Smith-Bynoe, acting as the gloriously deadpan ringmaster, guides his talented troupe of friends through a series of scenes built entirely from random words, bizarre audience suggestions, and whatever strange energy is flowing through the room that night.
A Night Of Unpredictable Laughter
The magic of the show lies in its sheer unpredictability. One moment the ensemble is depicting a support group for people with silly walks, the next they're re-enacting a dramatic courtroom scene where the key piece of evidence is a sentient sausage. The sheer velocity at which ideas are generated, abandoned, and then resurrected is breathtaking.
Smith-Bynoe’s genius is in his curation and control. He lets the scenes run wild but knows precisely when to step in with a perfectly timed dry remark or to pull the plug before a bit wears out its welcome. His low-key, slightly exasperated demeanour provides the perfect anchor for the surreal antics unfolding around him.
More Than Just One Man
While Smith-Bynoe is the headline act, the 'and Friends' part of the title is crucial. The ensemble's chemistry is palpable, a well-oiled machine of comedic minds that trust each other implicitly. They build on each other's ideas with the grace of seasoned jazz musicians, never missing a beat and always aiming to elevate the joke rather than steal the spotlight.
The result is an evening that feels incredibly inclusive. The audience isn't just watching a show; they are the show's co-creators, their suggestions fuelling the engine of this comedy vehicle. It’s a testament to the skill of the performers that no matter how left-field the idea, they embrace it with unwavering commitment, mining it for every possible laugh.
The Verdict: A Must-See For Comedy Fans
'Kool Story Bro' is a masterclass in high-wire improv comedy. It’s a rare show that manages to feel both meticulously rehearsed and entirely spontaneous. It’s eccentric, clever, and, most importantly, relentlessly funny.
For fans of Smith-Bynoe's work, it’s an essential glimpse into the quick-witted mind that makes him so watchable. For anyone who appreciates comedy at its most inventive and raw, this is a night out that promises giant, unstifleable laughs from start to finish. Catch it while you can.
