First Posted: 12/17/2014
The improv comedy group Here We Are in Spain was formed in 2004 after they performed together during classes with the Chris Barnes Comedy Dojo at the Scranton Cultural Center. They will return to the place where they got their start as part of First Night Scranton on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Five original members: Matthew Britain Perry Giblin, Don McGlynn, Pat Martin, Rob Klubeck, and Baxter Pancake, all of Scranton, remain as regular performers.
Giblin, 33, a 2000 Abington Heights graduate, believes the group’s close knit bond has been a big factor in their growing popularity.
“We’ve worked together for such a long time and we know each other very well,” he said. “That helps when it comes to performing the scenes on stage. We’ve been really good friends for a long time and clicked right from the start.”
The group’s acts are entirely based off audience suggestions and participation, leading to their unpredictability on stage.
“I think our performances have gotten stronger,” Giblin said. “We always offer something different during every performance. Some groups do the exact same things every act, every time. You never know what to expect when you come to one of our shows. I think that’s what makes us so popular.
“We try to give a good show and the audiences seem to like it.”
As for his favorite aspect of performing improv comedy, Giblin’s answer was short and simple: to make people laugh.
“It’s one of my favorite things to do,” he said. “And I get to work with some of my best friends. It’s great to be able to do something with people who I really like doing things with.”
They previously performed during First Night in 2010, 2011, and 2012 and Giblin said the group cherishes playing on the big stage.
“We get our largest crowds,” he said. “We also like to be involved in the local art scene and First Night is a great venue and opportunity to be a part of it. It’s a real honor to be asked to come back and perform.
“We’re really appreciative and we’re going to do our best to make the audience laugh.”
