Giant Steps is the brainchild of Max Dickins and Conor Jatter, who combine their love of jazz with their love of improv comedy in this brilliantly entertaining show.
As with all improv shows, the evening begins with a few audience suggestions being shouted out; with divorce, seeds and Norwich creating the loose parameters of this particular evening. What transpires are four very funny sketches from four fantastically fast-thinking comedians. In one, Conor Jatter plays a character up for an award, being presented to him at the Seedling hotel; much to guest comedian Naomi Peterson’s horror, due to her debilitating fear of seeds, resulting in hilarious flashbacks, whimsical interactions and a lot of absolutely ridiculous seed references. Another sketch, that is fabulously funny, is where Max Dickins plays a crisp connoisseur on the quest to create a 6D crisp that will change the world forever. His boss, guest comedian Graham Dickson and his potentially soon-to-be ex-wife Naomi Peterson don’t think he can do it, but he’s ready to prove them all wrong and make history.
As expected, all four of the comedians expertly jump in and out of scenes, creating the seamless silliness that makes the show work so well. Each of them gives sufficient time for the sketches to grow and take shape, while never letting them drag out too long or become repetitive. As well as the addition of two new guest comedians each evening, integrated into the show, is the live jazz band, adding a unique spin to the production. The band consists of Freddie Canton (bass), Ollie Young (guitar), Sam Nicholls (drums) and a guest on the saxophone each evening. Creating a great atmosphere upon entering the upstairs space at Soho Theatre, the band provide improvised background music and sound effects to each sketch performed. The addition of the music is a fantastic choice, heightening the suspense during tense moments or adding humorous accompaniments to others.
The synergy between the band and the comedians is very well done, and with a unique show being presented every time, Giant Steps has a very long life ahead of it.
Reviewed on 9 July 2025