Featuring Lee Apsey and Sarah Kempton
For over a decade, CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation has been delighting audiences with its unique brand of spontaneous hilarity. A multi-award-winning show—including the ‘Best Improvisation’ award at the Leicester Comedy Festival 2023 and ‘The Comedy Award’ at the Colchester Fringe 2024—it is a murder mystery where the cast is as much in the dark as the audience.
With the show heading to the Taunton Brewhouse, we sat down with performers Lee Apsey and Sarah Kempton to discuss the mechanics of making murder funny, the art of “controlled chaos,” and what audiences can expect when they step into the role of detective.
You’ve been performing this show successfully for over a decade. How do you keep the energy fresh and the format surprising for yourselves after all this time?
(Lee): We’re always tweaking and polishing parts of the format—it evolves like seasons of a TV show. But more so than that, we have incredible players in the team. Every individual brings a whole new world of energy and ideas to what might happen.
(Sarah): Even after 13 years, I genuinely get excited to see what people will do. Surprising each other is one of the things that makes improv so special.
The audience entirely dictates the victim, weapon, and killer. What is the most bizarre or challenging combination a crowd has ever thrown at you?
(Lee): We had a wonderfully surreal show in Luxembourg about the murder of a hitman with a sponge—because, obviously, we were focused on this murder specifically.
(Sarah): A referee killed with poor judgement is another brilliantly bizarre one that makes me chuckle.
A murder mystery usually relies on careful scripting and clues. How do you manage to construct a coherent, satisfying whodunnit completely on the spot?
(Sarah): I think the key is listening; we’re paying attention to everything each other says and does, which leads us down some fun and very surprising paths. We lean into the tropes you’d expect from a classic whodunnit, only in this one, the audience has a say in what the most satisfying outcome is for them.
Because the cast doesn’t know who the killer is ahead of time, how do you handle the moment the final culprit is actually revealed?
(Lee): It’s our favourite part! The audience chooses who the killer is (and always was) in the final scene. Our trapeze act is making that make sense, whomever it is, by trusting that we’ve generated so much fun material in the past hour that we can build a dramatic confession out of it. 13 years in and we haven’t failed yet.
With backgrounds in scripted theatre, voiceover, and musical comedy, how do your individual performance skills help you navigate the chaos of live improvisation?
(Lee): Improv is 90% chemistry. A scene between Steve and Nicola will have a different spark than a scene between Steve and James. Beyond that, our different backgrounds inspire each of us to up our game: the predominant actors inspire us to commit physically and emotionally, the writers push us to be narratively deeper, and James Cann inspires us to know the funniest town to reference in any other town.
(Sarah): And there may be less chaos than there appears! It’s controlled chaos, formed from trust as a team. One player can be mischievous while another is grounding; our different skills are a gift in that respect. And speaking as the voiceover, it’s just nice for me to be out of my box and talking to other people!
For audiences coming to the Taunton Brewhouse who might be nervous about the interactive element, what can they expect from their role as the “detectives”?
(Lee): The interaction is always 100% optional! You are welcome to sit back, laugh, and relax. If you do want to get involved, you’ll be shouting out the victim’s name, occupation, and method of dispatch. You’ll be able to talk to the detective and interrogate suspects. Ultimately, you get to decide who the killer is, all without leaving your seat.
CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation is far more than a simple comedy sketch; it is a masterclass in high-stakes spontaneity. By fusing the tension of a classic whodunnit with the electric, unpredictable energy of live improv, the cast transforms audience suggestions into a bespoke, one-night-only theatrical event. Whether you are a fan of traditional murder mysteries looking for a fresh twist or an improv enthusiast eager to see narrative gold pulled from thin air, this show offers a brilliant, interactive experience where the audience holds as much power as the performers.
As the production makes its way to the Taunton Brewhouse, prepare for a night of rapid-fire wit, absurd twists, and the thrill of witnessing a story unfold that has truly never been told before—and never will be again. Secure your seat, sharpen your detective skills, and prepare to hold the cast accountable for the most bizarre crimes imaginable.
For performance dates, ticket availability at the Taunton Brewhouse, and to keep track of the cast’s ongoing investigation across the country, visit the official website at crimesceneimpro.com.
