Press Clippings

Their uncanny ability to improvise has left some critics doubting. In The Uptown Bertram Schneider wrote that the show “may – or may not – be improvised.” And the Edmonton Journal’s Marc Horton wrote “Scratch is laugh-till-it-hurts time regardless of how planned it all might be.”

But the show is most definitely improvised. If you don’t believe it then come see it twice. You’ll understand why See Magazine’s Allyson Kidd wrote “I was a skeptic, now I’m a believer.”

A hit show across Canada, Steve Tilley wrote in the Toronto Sun "Edmonton improv wunderkinds Kevin Gillese and Arlen Konopaki are the real deal and their ability to conjure laughter out of the thinnest of premises is comedy voodoo. It’s never the same show twice, naturally, but even on a night when not all their cylinders are firing, there are more laughs per minute here than in most scripted fringe comedies. And when they’re truly on their game, watch out. Hospitalization-worthy hilarity.” Scratch just has to be seen to be believed.

"Scratch is some of the most polished improv you may see at any fringe festival. Although Scratch is only a group of two, comprised of Arlen Konopaki and Kevin Gillese, they don't let that stand in the way of creating a large cast of characters and multiple plot lines that makes for a well paced long form set. The most impressive aspect of their performance is the obvious compatibility and synchronicity they share. Scene changes and flashbacks are seamless, and there are no rules on who plays what character as long as it's for the benefit of the scene - in fact they often switch roles in mid sentence if one of them has a sudden brainwave. Although they do not have the benefit of live musical accompaniment, their commercial soundtrack selections add an air of parody to their movie like story telling." Playsonthenet, 2007

“Improv comedy is tough these days, what with the art form having been officially perfected by Whose Line Is It Anyway? (that's a scientifically proven fact, don't y'know). So what to do? Well, abandon the game-based approach in favour of long-form improv (where the whole show is one long improvised story). Then, make it harder by paring the cast down to two people. And oh yeah, be funny about it. Luckily, improv duo Scratch (Arlen Konopaki and Kevin Gillese) delivers on all counts. Using audience suggestions, they craft a three-act play, incorporating three different storylines that will eventually merge. Since there are only the two of them, they creatively alternate characters - so one actor may take over the character the other has originated, freeing the other guy to become a new character. Yeah, it's a bit complicated, and it does get muddy at times. But it's energetic, surprising, filled with sharp jokes, and lots of fun. If you're an improv fan and looking for something a bit fresher than what's on the tube, you'll have a good time with Scratch.” CBC Review, 2007

“Thanks for bringing together such a fabulous group for this Big Stupid Improv… you rock our World.” (Edmonton Comedy Arts Festival)

"Extremely funny" - Eye Magazine (2007)

"energetic, surprising, filled with sharp jokes... Scratch delivers on all counts" -Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (2007)

“Improv wunderkinds Kevin Gillese and Arlen Konopaki are the real deal… hospitalization worthy hilarity.” Toronto Sun (2006)

“If laughter is the best medicine, prepare to overdose.” Eye Weekly (2006)

“BEST OF THE FRINGE” Eye Weekly (2006)

“PICK OF THE FRINGE” Now Weekly (2006)

“Delightfully twisted” Now Weekly (2006)

“I was a skeptic, now I’m a believer.” See Magazine (2006)

“Polished and hilarious” The Uptown (2006)

“You don’t believe it’s improvised” The Georgia Straight (2006)

“Scratch is laugh-till-it-hurts time” Edmonton Journal (2005)

“The best improv show I’ve ever seen” Vue Weekly (2005)

“The year's freshest performers were imports, particularly Edmonton improv duo Scratch… brought unparalleled levels of imagination and physical comedy to their routines.” Eye Magazine (2006)