Liverpool improv actor plans marathon challenge for charity

Actor and improvisor Trevor Fleming is set to raise funds for charity by embarking on a mammoth Improvathon next month – just hours after completing the Liverpool half marathon.

Fleming will attempt to create more than 300 improv characters in 302 minutes at the event on Sunday, March 15.

Audiences at the challenge, which takes place in Studio 3 at the Liverpool Arts Bar in Hope Street, will be asked to offer one-word suggestions which he will spin into an immediate off-the-cuff scenario, supported by guests from across the world of UK improv.

The show begins at 3pm and is made up of six episodes of 50 minutes each, with a 10-minute break for the performers and audience. The final episode starts at 8pm.

Tickets are £10 per episode or £50 for the entire show.

Meanwhile earlier on the same day, Fleming will also attempt to run the 13.1 mile Liverpool Half Marathon.

Funds raised from both running and the improv marathons will go towards charity Safe in Our World which aims to create and foster awareness of mental health in the video game industry and eliminate the stigma around it.

Fleming, a voice actor in video games, explains: “Audiences can expect a fast-paced Improv show with a myriad of characters and scenes. If they don't like a scene then don't worry as there'll be another one along in a minute, literally. 

“I'm expecting the actual event for myself to be horrible physically. The half marathon is a big challenge for someone who's not a natural runner, but I've done it before and know roughly what to expect. 

“The Improv will be wonderfully chaotic and there'll be times I need to sit or lie down, and that's where my scene partners will step in and carry the scene forward. 

“It'll be tough, but this is to raise money for folks struggling with mental health issues, so it's worth it.”

This is the fourth time fundraiser Fleming has run the half marathon and his third improv challenge – although he has never tried to do both on the same day before. He has previously raised hundreds of pounds for North West Cancer Research and Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.

Trevor Fleming’s charity Improvathon is at the Liverpool Arts Bar Studio 3 on Sunday, March 15. Tickets HERE

Top: Trevor Fleming. Photo by Andrew AB Photography.