Barnsley to attempt to world's biggest improvisation record

Neil Mullarkey, one of the founders of The Comedy Store Players, is organising a world record attempt in Barnsley tomorrow (Friday 10th August 2012). Comedy lovers in the city are being urged to come along to a free show and help create the world's biggest comedy improvisation team.

A press release says: "Without leaving your seat, and with no previous experience required, you can help create a landmark comedy moment for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The free event is part of the London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK."

Mullarkey says: "I've performed on numerous occasions in Yorkshire but it's my first time in Barnsley so I hope the local people will want to come along and get involved in this world record attempt! There is something really joyous about improvisation comedy because it gets people more involved and they leave knowing they have had a one-off experience. It's funny to hear people say something that they didn't even know was in their head! There are lots of things going on as part of the London 2012 Festival across the country and not just in London, and this event in Barnsley is a perfect example."

Before getting the audience to join in, Mullarkey and fellow Comedy Store Player Richard Vranch will demonstrate improv games, including the classic in which people in small groups tell a story, but each can only add one word at a time.

Ruth Mackenzie, the Director of the London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad, said: "We hope to see lots of world records for London 2012 this summer and Neil Mullarkey is giving you the chance to be among them. Join him in Barnsley for this hilarious free evening of comedy improv - no training required."

The free show will take place on Friday 10th August from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Elsecar Heritage Centre. For more details visit barnsleylive.co.uk