Angry Mob

Talk to the audience and see if you can find a married couple, or people who live together. (Failing that, find two people who have been friends for a while.) Ask for a minor issue that they tend to disagree on. Eg, Alice always leaves her coffee cup on the table, and Spencer ends up putting it away.

(Don’t talk about a mob yet.)

“We’re going to sort that out for you. And sorting out issues is always easier when you have an angry mob at your back. Can I have an angry mob, please? You… you…”

Quickly gather an angry mob of 5 to 10 audience members. As you gather them, tell them that their job is to follow you, the Mob Leader, both in where you move, and in backing up your attitudes.

Improvisers will play Alice and Spencer. Alice starts the scene, drinking coffee. She mimes leaving the cup behind. Spencer enters with his angry mob behind him. “Not so fast, Alice!”

Spencer gives his speech, complaining about her mug habits. At intervals, Spencer turns to get support from the mob. “Am I right, mob?” They all cheer and shake fists.

Then Alice gives her response, defending her point of view. She should make a good, impassioned case.

“Yes, I left that mug out. You know why? Because I was going to use it again. I was thinking of the environment. The water we drink. The water our children play in…”

Spencer is indignant at first, but then becomes uncertain. (Turn to your mob. “She does have a point actually…”)

Eventually he is won over and the mob (following Spencer’s lead) cheers for Alice’s choice. This is a natural ending.

If the disagreement is something they both need to be present for (eg, one person constantly hums when the other is trying to work), start with both characters on stage, and the mob can be handled by a third improviser. Mob and mob leader wait off stage until the argument starts. Then Spencer summons in his angry mob.

Props could be used in this game, although be careful they don’t turn into weapons. It would give a good mob effect if a couple of people have torches or pitchforks (cardboard or halloween props), if you want a Frankenstein-style mob. Or, for a more modern mob, signs. These could either have a generic caption like “We won’t take it” or they can be written as the suggestion is given. “No Dirty Cups!” Two or three of these props should give a strong mob impression.