Following its sell-out Soho Theatre run, the cult hit comes to Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
Together with his audience, veteran improviser David Elms “builds a comedy mind palace before your very eyes.”
Where: Baby Grand at Pleasance Courtyard
When: 30 Jul-24 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/david-elms-describes-a-room
Without saying too much, what can audiences expect from your show?
Well, if I can be glib, they can expect the unexpected! Every show is made up entirely on the spot so there’s no way of knowing what will come up.
The non-glib answer is: they can expect a rare and playful collective experience. Think ‘expertly-hosted parlour game meets live comedy show’.
Where did you get the idea to create this show and bring it to Edinburgh?
I run an improv school, and I always love watching my students describing their surroundings and interacting with stuff that isn’t there.
Then one day, three years ago, I decided to indulge myself by doing it on stage for an hour. To my great surprise and delight it worked as a show and I’ve been doing it ever since.
How did you get your start in comedy? Do you find Fringe festivals inspiring?
Luckily for me (and you) I can answer both questions at once.
I went to Edinburgh Uni, so I very much got my start as a young, inspired festival attendee and participant. I went all-in as a student, doing stand-up, sketch, improv, acting, musicals.
Thank goodness I failed my German degree and didn’t go off to Berlin for a year. More Edinburgh time for young Elms.
What are you looking forward to the most at Edinburgh?
Being surrounded by beautiful, talented people who care so much about live comedy that they will burn money, shred their nerves, and age a year in a month to make it happen.
Where can we see your work after Fringe?
If you must know, I run an improv school and community called ‘leapday’ based out of Seven Dials Playhouse in London [from Sep 2025], so you can find me there (and learn improv from me!)
Hopefully I’ll also be describing rooms around the UK, but we’ll have to see. Maybe I’ll be cancelled by the end of August.