In a great reminder that stand-up is not the only style of comedy in Tallinn, Olga Loitsenko brought to the Heldeke! stage an improvised attempt to course-correct her love life, with the assistance of two people who have managed to find themselves Estonian partners: Mitsy Chanel-Blot and Adam Baker of the Green Light Comedy improv troupe. We’re greeted at the door by Loitsenko herself, lounging casually in a sharp suit to welcome the public to the space and introduce the evening. The crowd this evening are couples and pairs, with the odd singles distracting themselves with whatever’s in hand: drink, phone, or reviewer’s notebook.
Designed as a series of improv games sprinkled through with anecdotes and crowdwork, Loitsenko’s gangly charm and gentle self-deprecation are in full effect as she frames the evening: as the only Estonian to live in Australia for five years and return single, she clearly needs some guidance. The audience is on fire for the experience this evening, sharing stories and quipping back and forth with Loitsenko as she looks to them for insights into what she’s doing wrong. The composition of the audience seems to suggest that Estonian partners are easy to find – so long as you’re not Estonian. Of course, the folks who frequent Heldeke! (and English-language shows around Tallinn in general) do tend to be an internationally-blended lot, but where the advice of the audience failed, Loitsenko turned to her improv partners.
The trio make their way through improv games both familiar and not, a blend of game show style delivery and theatrical flourish, using posture and voices to add depth to short-lived characters and scenarios, and dance breaks as interludes while switching gears between sets. Loitsenko’s relatable state of overwhelm in the face of the Green Light Comedy team is a particularly funny undercurrent, as we begin to realise that the success of snagging a romantic companion, particularly one with the right kind of passport, may really come down to finding a partner with a more outgoing communication style.
It’s a joy to watch Loitsenko’s crowdwork in action, and the improv stylings of the whole crew are an absolute hoot. If you’ve missed the first performances of Dating Roulette, never fear, as Loitsenko, Baker, and Chanel-Blot return with more tips and lessons for the singletons at Ratas&Kohv on 11 September at 1900. The Tallinn Fringe Festival continues until 18 September at venues across town.
Author: Laurie
Laurie likes alliteration, ambiance, and lists with three things.
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