Improv Asylum Review

Summary: Saw the mainstage show on a Friday night. Cast was amazing, consistently funny with a great balance of sketch and Improv.

Had a lot of fun and laughed a lot, and the price was very good. It wasn't Second City, but these performers might get there someday...

I am from the UK, I had heard a lot about this place and was looking forward to it as a main event during our trip to Boston. I am a massive comedy fan and I was really looking forward to having a good laugh.

I left in the intermission. I may have laughed twice in 30 minutes. I was and still am shocked at how highly rated it is. The humour wasn t witty, jokes linear and one dimensional. I felt like I was watching a school act rather than seasoned pros. It isn t an entirely improv act, there are pre prepared performances and they sucked.

I gave this a two star because although the comedy and act werent great and deserving of a 1*, the experience would have been all the worse if it was a worse venue. The venue was alright, as far as comedy clubs go anyway.

I had heard good things about the Boston comedy scene too...

Funny folks. Admission is a tad overpriced at $28 for a regular show.

Much better than expected. The main event crew was excellent, and drinks were reasonable-ish for the area.

I went to the 11/27 Wednesday night show. It was a good time. Seats were just comfortable enough, crowd was good. There was a comedian that struggled through the show and I felt that he was not as supported through the process. It was hard to watch.

Would give 5 for a more supportive cast. Overall, a good way to spend a Wednesday night.

Late night fun. They have a midnight show and gave away some of the placards. Cozy place.

I watched air farce one, amazing talent, great show

The show is hilarious. I went for the main show and stuck around for the midnight show, and I personally preferred the main show.

What can I say. Unbelievably funny. Check it out yourself!

Fun and different each time, I'd go again but was only visiting Boston

Improv Asylum makes me laugh every time! It is always the highlight of the night. Their jokes are hilarious no matter what your sense of humor is. They often pick somebody from the crowd to be part of the show which is never disappointing. If you bought tickets for an earlier show, they offer deals where you can come back later for another show. They also validate parking at a garage nearby for only $3 which is great because parking can be tough to find in the area or expensive. You just have to make sure you get back within 3 hours or you will have to pay the regular price at the garage. Would definitely recommend to all!

Really cool spot. I was bored and wanted something to do on a Monday night and got a ticket. I was scared it was going to be deserted but it was actually quiet packed. Not everything is funny, but you can make it funny or laugh because you feel awkward. Drinks were super cheap too.

Its a very cool place, and enjoy coming here for shows

I have gone here multiple times seeing all manner of shows. This is an all out riot from start to finish. A must visit in Boston.

Dooley's is a pretty nice bar. Good food. Try the Egg Benedict (Irish style). Good crowd. Always seem happy. Never to crowde. Avoid on St. Patrick's day. Too crowded. I'd come back.

Super talented actors...the show never disappoints! Tickets are very reasonably priced and makes for a great date night option considering all of the great food of the North end!

Great show, with engaging and wildly entertaining actors.

Had a great time, big crowd, seats are a little tight, but everyone was accommodating.

It was fun. They got onto the obnoxious people behind me which I really liked because they were detracting from the show.

Good show, some performers were funnier than others.

Funny night here. The three groups were enjoyable and we got our laughs. I'll be back for another round shortly.

This place week give you a great time! The performers are hilarious and the drinks are inexpensive.

We had a freaking blast at this place, actually got pulled up on the floor to do a little improv. Can t wait to go back.

Lots of fun. The actors were hilarious, the messages were just right. Highly recommend for a pre night out adventure. Parking and traffic in the area is a nightmare, so allow significant time to park and walk, at least 30mins.

Awesome time! Great last minute date night after a great meal in the north end at Mare across the street.

Absolutely hilarious! That's the only thing you can say. They have different shows every day of the week. So check their schedules before you go.

Just a great time whether you're watching or performing

Nice venue, original works, and some quality laughs

Very funny! Drinks are weak and chairs aren't very comfortable. Don't expect a fancy place and don't order cocktails, you'll enjoy it

Always entertaining! Perfect winter time activity when you have a couple of hours to spend in the North End. Arrive about five minutes before the show so that you don't have to wait in the somewhat crowded waiting area - you can always grab a drink at a nearby bar. Contrary to their website, the do scan tickets off your phone so no need to print them out.

Fun shows, but venue a bit stinky on main level and cramped. There is a very heavy alcohol emphasis.

A fun atmosphere with performers who have lots of energy and quick wit which made for an entertaining show .... but some basic acting, vocal, singing, mime skills could be better. Felt like I was watching keen students/amateurs rather than experienced pros. I guess the performance skills are not the main focus for these guys but sometimes they weren't quite able to get their ideas across. We're from the UK and were surprised that there were more Bostonian references and 'in-jokes' than we expected.

Awesome experience. Good raw improv and hilarious sketch comedy.

Went on a Saturday night to the Main Stage Show at 10:00 with a friend. Easily the highlight of the weekend. Although tickets are a bit steep ($28+fees), it was worth every penny. When we got there around 9:45, the place was busy and there was a short line for drinks. I'd recommend arriving about 20 minutes prior to the show so you can use the bathroom or grab a drink.

Our seats were in the second row on the back side. Some have complained that it's annoying that the actors are faced away for most of the show, but we found this to not be a problem at all. Additionally, we had a pole that blocked a small section of the stage which wasn't a big deal, either. The place is small enough that sound carries well, so you can hear everything.

The comedy itself was fantastic. There were sketches and improv, and both were hysterical. The actors interact with the audience well, and use audience suggestions (and even audience members themselves) as part of the show, which means every show is unique.

Fantastic way to spend 90 minutes. They even offered free tickets to the midnight show, but we didn't stick around. Highly recommend.

Hilarious show - definitely recommend the Saturday main stage happy hour show.

Arguably the best improv spot in Boston. I've been here at least 5 or 6 times and have never been disappointed. Always a good cast and generally very responsive audiences. Great setup, too, very conducive to interactivity.

The Improv Asylum hosts Boston's best comedians that are widely known for audience participation. Go here often. Best suited for family visits, group events, or to show that special under-21-year-old in your life a good time.

Great time, was not sure what to expect going in but was very happy with the show

It s now 5 times we have visited. Each time new content and hilarious consistently.
Amazing work!!!

Incredibly talented people here, don't know how they make up all that stuff on the spot. Seriously funny!

Every show is unique. This is improve at its utmost. There are a few prepared sketches that are SNL type but better if you ask me. Friendly staff, Funny actors, and a fantastic night you are not soon to forget.

Great show, the crew work very well together which is very important for improv, as you would imagine! Would definitely recommend.

I've been here a few times while living in Boston. A friend had a show so we went to see him perform a few comedy skits, it was pretty awesome. The second time was for a main stage show and these comedians are pretty great at what they do.

It's a bit steep for pricing when you're not even sure how good the comedians are, usually. However, I guess we've always picked the right shows, because we've enjoyed it every time.

Great comedy in a small setting! Always a good time :)

Very funny and original, not one show is the same, great place for a date (warning, it's pretty PG sometimes)

Pretty funny stuff and good drinks in an ok setting

This was a pleasant and enjoyable experience. It always amazes me how good improvised comedy is when it's done well. The only downside to the experience was expensive drinks.

Love bringing family here for a good night of laughs!

Love comedy and this spot is fresh with a new show everytime. Great date night.

Always an amazing evening. Intimate atmosphere. Hilarious sketch comedy.

I saw the happy hour and a half show and I think my expectations may have been too high. There were some awkward moments during the show.

I didn't like the design of the theater either. Since not all the actors are facing you at all times, I found it hard to hear what they were saying at times. They needed to project their voices more.

It's an inexpensive, entertaining night out. Improv students and recent grads take the stage in teams, using suggestions from the crowd. I have to say, more times than not, they miss the mark, but at least once or twice a show, I find myself wheezing uncontrollably with laughter. Alcohol is served at the bar, and can be enjoyed throughout the show. Overall, it's a fun, economical way to spend a couple of hours.

Only saw one show, and the comedy was just okay. They relied a lot on typical improv tropes (overused running jokes, bits that have predictable patterns, making fun of strange and poorly explained audience answers, etc) without producing any uniquely funny or particularly memorable moments. Overall, it was still fun at the time though.

Haven t laughed this hard since Grad school! Have been to a couple improv places in the past couple years and had to bring out some pity laughs, NOT the case here, everyone was HILARIOUS, the lights and pianist totally made this an excellent production! They didn t take the easy way out with dirty jokes to get a laugh either. This place was classy. Zack, Sam, Billy, Marielle, Madison and Dan Thank You SO much, I haven t laughed this hard in a while!

Really fun experience. Small and intimate space perfect for improv.

Love this place! Funny shows and also great night out for college students. Student discounts makes the tickets $10 for the midnight shows. Highly recommend.

Very funny. I had my bachelor party here. If you tell them you're there for a special occasion they'll single you out.