Isabella Nicholson is a third year historian at Girton. She has been involved in several Girton Amateur Dramatics Society productions as an actor and director. She joined the Impronauts in May and went to Edinburgh Fringe as part of the cast of This Revolution Will Not Be Improvised.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is either to become the first British cast member on Saturday Night Live, or become a film director. There’s no harm in dreaming big! A lot of comedy greats have been on SNL and to be able to follow in their footsteps would be incredible.

What’s the best thing about being part of the Cambridge Impronauts?

The freedom it gives you – that’s what I love the most. You aren’t bound by a script or a certain character, which gives me free reign to unleash all of the crazy characters/personalities/alter egos I wish I could be.

What’s been your most embarrassing moment as part of the Impronauts?

When performing in Edinburgh, I was given an offer to be an evil Geordie mayor. The only phrase I could say in a Geordie accent (without sounding a mixture of Welsh, Irish or Swedish) was ‘Way-aye Pet.’ I started the scene with that oh so helpful phrase, but sadly my accent did not sound anything like that of a Geordie. Thankfully my ineptitude became an on-running gag that night, so not all was lost!

What is the trait you dislike most in others?

I dislike both unwillingness to try new things and also being afraid to look stupid on stage. One of my favourite quotes from Tina Fey’s book Bossypants highlights how comedians, especially women, should not be afraid to look silly: “Amy (Poehler) made it clear that she wasn’t there to be cute. She wasn’t there to play wives and girlfriends in the boys’ scenes. She was there to do what she wanted to do and she did not fucking care if you like it.”

Do you like horror films?

I like the fact that it’s such a diverse genre, and also one of the most well- known and most parodied, especially in film. I also think it’s a great genre for improv, because there are so many sub-genres and archetypes to play with.

How would you describe your sense of humour? What do you think about dark humour?

I’d say I have a very silly sense of humour, centred on impersonations and parodies. I like dark humour because it’s interesting to see how people react to it.

Do you think it is hard for people from other countries to understand British humour?

Generally speaking, yes, sometimes. Having lived in the US briefly as a child, it was interesting how the Americans I knew were very earnest and did not get British humour or sarcasm.

What is the most hilarious thing that has happened to you during your time in Cambridge?

My friends and I accidentally bought not one, but TWO life-size posters of Alan Rickman online while drunk after Formal Hall. I had to keep him in my room for the rest of the term, at the foot of my bed. His constant judging stare perversely made me more productive while working.

Have you noticed any differences in humour between the sexes?

I haven’t necessarily noticed differences in humour, but I have noticed that women tend to only play female characters in comedy. Improv thankfully allows you to branch out and play whatever gender you want: women should not be afraid to play male parts.

What sorts of things inspire your improvisations?

Accents and strong characters definitely inspire me. I sometimes feel more self-conscious if I don’t have an accent. Having watched almost every episode of Whose Line is it Anyway?, I admire Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles’s vast array of dynamic characters and I try my best to emulate their approach.

Improv from the Crypt will be at the Corpus Playroom 3rd-7th December