The Impro Rumble is an improvisation format created by The Crew that combines Improvisation with pro wrestling, Survivor and the well-known “there can be only one” mentality of Highlander.

The Impro Rumble has been performed only five times in the history of Impro Sundae…so far. The first was held in December 2001 as the end of year “all-in” party show…seeing as no-one expected the show to back in the New Year. That night, 20 competitors battled each other and a show format that nobody really understood (not even the MC) for improvisation glory. Ultimately Cameron Knight emerged victorious and was crowned ‘Impro Rumble Champion’ for 2001.

The second was held in mid-2002 as Impro Sundae’s 1st Birthday show. The format evolved and this time 25 competitors from the stand-up, improvisation and acting industry, took up the challenge of “The Rumble”. The reigning champion, Cameron Knight opened the Rumble as the first competitor to enter the stage and ultimately walked out the last…winning the title of ‘Impro Rumble Champion’ two years in a row.

The third Rumble was held on May 15, 2005 to celebrate Impro Sundae’s 4th Birthday show. Again the format evolved, this time into its most successful and challenging incarnation. 16 competitors from The Crew, ‘Cut & Paste’ and interstate valiantly battled it out for impro supremacy. There were many heroes that night my friend but there could be only one Impro Rumble Champion. His name…Danny Alder.

The fourth Rumble was held in June 2006, to celebrate the 5th birthday of Impro Sundae. Reigning champ Danny Alder fought valiantly against the odds, but ultimately after 18 improvisors gave their all on stage Janelle Koenig triumphed in a nail-biting finish against runner-up Brian Hurley.

Most recently, the sixth birthday of the Crew was celebrated with a fifth Rumble on May 27, 2007. Title defender Janelle Koenig made an excellent showing, but in the end the tide of 19 talented improvisers was too much for her. Last year’s runner-up, Bryan Hurley, managed to make it through a couple of eliminations but in the end, after three epic hours of non-stop action, it was Benne Harrison who took home the belt after a Die-Ron-Ron showdown with Nigel Walton.

The new age of Impro Rumble has begun…

The Impro Rumble Crew, 2006

The 2006 Impro Rumble Crew (left-ish to right-ish): Eddie Duffield, Craig Fenney, Ian Messig, Rebecca Onlightsandsound, Danny Alder, Peter Ufnalski, Adam Vincent, Evan Jones, Ben McKenzie, Adam McKenzie, Janelle Koenig, Scott Steensma, Dan Walmsley, Benne Harrison, Vanessa Bennett, Craig Barfoot, Matt Elsbury, Rob Lloyd, Andy. Photo: Felicity O’Meara.