Emma Richardson on using AI for improv show Play-AI
One of the more unusual shows (and there were certainly plenty of them!) we saw at this year’s Camden Fringe was Play-AI, which did one sole night at King’s Head Theatre. Taking the traditional improv approach of asking the audience to suggest ideas, it was then all fed into ChatGPT and a script made up on the spot for the cast to act out. You can read our review of the show here.
Yes it sounds horrific for so many reasons, but as Emma Richardson tells us, that is almost the point, especially as it’s improv, so the fun is watching the cast work with some questionable material.
We chat with Emma about the why’s and how’s of it all, whether the future of the writer is at risk from the rapid progress being made with AI (spoiler alert, we don’t think so!), and what her plans are for the show next.
Play-AI
USER: WRITE DESCRIPTION FOR A PLAY GENERATED AND WRITTEN ONSTAGE WITH AUDIENCE INPUT WORDS BY AI EVERY NIGHT AND THEN PERFORMED ON THE SPOT BY COMEDIANS
CHATGPT: Welcome to “Play-AI,” an extraordinary comedy experience that redefines live entertainment every time. This groundbreaking show transcends traditional theatre, as an AI-generated script takes centre stage, fuelled by the whimsical input of the audience. When the curtain rises, attendees submit words and prompts, shaping the evening’s unique narrative with their creativity.
Once the script is generated, a dynamic ensemble of comedians step into the unknown armed only with their wit and improv skills. The AI-generated script, a product of real-time algorithms processing audience input, propels them through a comedic odyssey filled with satire, absurdity, and unexpected twists. Each performance is a one-of-a-kind collaboration between artificial intelligence and human creativity, making “Play-AI” a truly interactive and unpredictable experience.
Join us for a laughter-filled revolution in live entertainment, where no two shows are alike, and the unexpected is embraced with open arms. “Play-AI” invites you to be part of an exhilarating experience, where the fusion of technology and human talent creates a comedy symphony that delights and surprises every night.
Play-AI was performed for one night only as part of Camden Fringe. There are currently no new dates confirmed but the plan is to bring the show back again in the not too distant future.
