Meet Best on Tap

Best on Tap was formed in 2014 following a production of Australian improviser Amy Moule’s “Return to Sender”. Between us we have about a century’s worth of accumulated improvisational experience.

Our performance style is truth-based, theatrical improv. While there are plenty of laughs, this approach digs deep and demands more from the performers, who explore authentic emotions and relationships to deliver a fully satisfying theatrical experience for our audiences.

Best on Tappers have trained and played with Wellington Improvisation Troupe, The Improverts, Basejump and many other groups in New Zealand’s exciting improv landscape.

Barry Miskimmin

“Don’t ask me how many times I’ve kissed Barry. It makes my husband twitchy! But that’s Barry’s thing. He creates genuine, grounded heartfelt relationships on stage with his fellow teammates.” ~ Nicola

“The greatest thing about playing with Barry is when I get to see that little bit of dark mischief light up his eyes.” ~ Clare

Geoff Simmons

“Geoff keeps me on my toes - I never know if he's going to be genuine, or naughty, or genuinely naughty.” ~ Matt

“There's a side of him that loves to find the line and cross it and then there's the side the steps wholeheartedly into a role and plays the emotional truth. I always feel totally safe walking on-stage with him.” ~ Katie

Mary Little

"I realise this is an oxymoron but Mary Little is reliably unexpected. She will introduce a character or lead a scene in a way that makes me go ‘wow.’ It’s beautiful to watch her mind work." ~ Nicola

“I get such an endearing sense of play and fun when I get to play with Mary and then wait for the unexpected or sometimes expected to happen." ~ Wiremu

Tim Croft

“Tim’s a master of the unexpected. It could be joyful and quirky, or dark and surreal. You never know what you’re going to get.“ ~ Matt

“Tim can take any idea and run with it. He’s got this calm energy on stage that means when he comes out with something weird and wonderful, it takes us all (audience and players) by surprise.“ ~ Mary

Clare Kerrison

"Clare brings heart, plot, masterful technique and sparkling wit to any scene. She’s the whole package." ~ Mary

“Clare is the chameleon of the group. Whatever character is needed for scene will miraculously appear." ~ Geoff

Nicola Pauling

“Nicola is simply a force of nature on stage: a strong actor, a spectacular singer, wonderfully funny, plus just a hint of danger in there.” ~ Barry

“Nicola is an amazing talent, a Wonder Woman of characters and you know when you step on stage with her the scene will just fly." ~ Katie

Wiremu Tuhiwai

“Watch very closely and you'll see that Wiremu is the generous wind beneath the wings of every soaring scene (or melody).” ~ Clare

“Wiremu is an extremely generous player. You always know that he is adapting his play to ensure that whomever he is onstage with has the best time." ~ Katie

Kate Whitaker

“Kate doesn't know how to half-arse anything. She whole-arses every scene." ~ Matt

“Kate is the yin to my yang. We are so completely different from each other, yet we get each other." ~ Geoff

Matt Hutton

"Matt never wastes space on stage. Whenever he is there, whatever he is doing, there is a reason for it." ~ Geoff

"As our muso Matt creates so many extra layers for our scenes. He sets the emotional tone, helps to shape the stories, adds jokes and helps us find the heart of what’s really going on." ~ Mary

D’ Woods

D' is our lighting improvisor. As well as being a consumate lights man and professional theatre tech, he's an actor and on-stage improvisor of many years' standing.

“With D’, we know we’re in safe hands. He builds atmosphere and creates shape-of-show, as well as throwing in visual gags that delight both audience and players.” ~ Nicola

“God damn, he’s good.” ~ Matt

Alumni

Sometimes people move away, sprog up, change focus or just need a break. Our alumni have played with us in the past and we always look forward to playing with them again in future.