In the show, a writer has just one night to create a hit show to impress his producer. Stuck for ideas, he takes audience suggestions for a title, storylines and musical styles that they'd like to see in the show. The Showstoppers then create a musical from scratch based around that structure.

The show has previously played regular London residencies at venues that have included the King's Head in Islington, as well as three Edinburgh Fringe seasons from 2008 to 2010. In March they made their BBC Radio 4 debut with a special 30-minute edition of an improvised musical, and they will return with a new BBC Radio 4 series Jan. 19. Showstopper! will also embark on a new U.K, national tour, beginning performances Jan. 25 at Bedales Arts Centre in Steep, with dates currently booked through April 23.

The format was created by Sticking Place artistic director Adam Meggido and veteran improviser Dylan Emery, both of whom worked closely with the late Ken Campbell. This collaboration resulted in Shall We Shog? (Shakespeare’s Globe 2005); Décor Without Production (for The Royal Court Theatre 50th anniversary celebrations); In Pursuit Of Cardenio (Edinburgh Festival 2006); and the annual 50‐hour Improvathon – the only event of its kind in Europe.

The company comprises Chris Ash, Duncan Walsh Atkins, Ruth Bratt, Julie Clare, Dylan Emery, Pippa Evans, James Lovelock, Sean McCann, Adam Meggido, Philip Pellew, Nigel Pilkington, Oliver Senton, Lucy Trodd and Sarah Louise Young. Showstopper! is produced by Adam Meggido, Dylan Emery and Keith Strachan. The General manager is James Seabright.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 08448 112 334, or visit www.theambassadorstheatre.co.uk.