Improv Shows & Courses, Bristol | The Bristol Improv Theatre

The Saboteur
2024-06-14 20:00 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 14th June | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Five performers are all working hard to put on a good improv show. Well, almost all of them. One of them is trying to sabotage the show without getting caught. Will The Saboteur be unmasked before the evening is ruined?
It’s a reality television show on stage, for fans of Whodunnits and Whose Line alike. It’s devious. It’s hilarious. It’s thrilling. It’s The Saboteur. Good luck.
Fresh from hit seasons in Australia and New Zealand, join us for a high-stakes, interactive evening of subterfuge, treachery, backstabbing, and laughs!
“Ingeniously destructive”—Theatreview
“Delightfully fun and wonderfully unpredictable”—Wellingtonista
“Priceless…Top marks from me!”—WeekendNotes
“Hilarious fun”—What Did SheThink
“Kept on my toes from start to finish”—Weekend Notes
“A winning performance, providing a fresh spin on improv”—WeekendNotes
“Equal parts unique, unpredictable and hilarious”—Weekend Notes
Winner: Outstanding Show, New Zealand Improv Festival 2019
Created by Jim Fishwick
Sound design by Bryce Halliday
Please note: The show is 90 minutes long and there will not be an interval.

Live Music with Sofar Sounds Bristol
2024-06-16 19:30 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Sunday 16th June | 19:30
Three unannounced acts. Secret unique locations. An incredible live music experience.
Sofar transforms everyday spaces into captivating, intimate venues for secret live music performances in hundreds of cities around the world. At this show, you’ll get up close and personal with artists, meet like-minded music fans, and experience a cool, local space in an entirely new way.
For tickets visit www.sofarsounds.com/cities/bristol

Murder, She Didn't Write
2024-06-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-06-29 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Thursday 27th June – Saturday 29th June | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
You become Agatha Christie in this improvised comedy as each night an original murder mystery play is created based entirely on audience suggestions. So take up your magnifying glasses and don your deerstalkers for a never-seen-before (and never-to-be-seen-again) evening of murder, mayhem and making it up on the spot.
Lord Gold slain during a Bristol University graduation ceremony. Professor Violet crushed at the auction of the SS Great Britain? But will you guess whodunit?
“Absolutely fantastic… incredibly clever… laugh out loud funny… a truly entertaining and hilarious take on the murder mystery and absolutely not one to miss.”
★★★★★ Voice Magazine
“Had me howling with laughter… the Murder, She Didn’t Write troupe are mesmerizingly impressive.”
★★★★ Arthur’s Seat
“This show is everything a fringe comedy should be: original, professional, and very, very funny.”
★★★★ EdFringe Review
“Live action Cluedo, with more laughs.”
★★★★ Fringe Guru

Bristol Pride Presents: Hell Yeah Bristol!
2024-07-12 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 12th July | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Fun, femxle-centered, fearless and completely improvised. Monica Gaga presents a supHER group of Bristol’s hottest queer improv talent.
HELL YEAH! is a night of completely improvised comedy, characters, sketches and storytelling. With no script spontaneity is the only choice and whatever way it goes you are promised a great night.
HELL YEAH features a Femxle-centred cast of powerhouse award-winning/rave reviewed queer performers who in their own right sell out shows, push the arts forward and are seen/heard on the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, The Comedy Store and Hoopla Impro to name a few. Look out for familiar faces from Bristol improv shows in this Bristol Pride special!
This event is brought to you in collaboration with Bristol Pride
With Support from IMOGENÉ
IMOGENÉ is a queer, feminist, over-the-top diva, on the brink of pop immortality, who needs the audience’s help to return to the stage and inspire material for her come-back tour. Performed by Imogen Palmer of The Delight Collective.
‘Top Ten Comedy Picks of the Festival’ – London Evening Standard
★★★★★ ‘an improvised masterpiece from the beginning…very very funny’’- Bristol 247
★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine

Boogaloo Stu presents Big Quiffy Bingo
2024-08-11 19:30 - 21:10 (Europe/London)
Sunday 11th August | 19:30 (doors open 19:00)
“Big Quiffy Bingo brings a smile to even the hardest of hearts” ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Broadway Baby
From the very towering tips of his perfectly-coiffed quiff down to the tips of his bejewelled toes, Boogaloo Stu is altogether completely ridiculous, simply fabulous and utterly idiotic. Following his fourth annual sell-out run at the Brighton Spiegeltent, the legendary bawdy raconteur Boogaloo Stu is finally taking his outrageous one-man show, Big Quiffy Bingo, out on the road. Join him for his gloriously playful and anarchic bingo experience, where utter filth, joyous fun and flashmob dances collide.
You will feel the tension rise as Stu’s balls begin to churn; when they finally drop, you ‘ll get non-stop nonsense, outrageous antics, buttock-clenching workouts, hilarious prizes and some very ballsy bingo to boot. Stu’s gift hamper will be stuffed to the brim with all manner of exotic prizes, so come on down and win it big!
Boogaloo Stu
With a thoroughly distinctive style, Boogaloo Stu is something of a showbiz polymath. Stu inhabits his own unique visually rich world which is irresistibly inviting, filled with an optimism that sparkles as brightly as the vintage lurex threads in one of his bespoke fashion looks. From his roots in fashion design, cabaret performance and DJ-ing, Stu subsequently sharpened his skills as a theatre-maker; with his audience always at the heart of his work, he developed and toured nationally with a number of unique and innovative theatre shows. In recent years, he has honed his talents as a visual artist, creating strikingly beautiful dioramas, prints and ceramics.
boogaloostu.co.uk
instagram.com/boogaloostu
Tickets are “pay what you can”, with a suggested donation ticket of £5 and a “supporter” donation ticket of £10. Please book your ticket below and, if choosing the PWYC ticket, use the donation box to decide how much you would like to pay.
20% of ticket sales will be going to Bristol Pride!

Mockumentary Now!
2024-08-17 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 17th August | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
A fully improvised documentary where the audience get to choose the subject matter. Would you like to see an investigation into the running of a Cat Café? Or a village that puts on a cheese sculpting contest every year? Perhaps you’d like to follow a troupe of mimes or a street art collective? Through interviews and scene work, we’ll take you into a world of obsession, power, betrayal and hobbycraft.
This performance is a showcase for the weeklong improv intensive class that precedes it.
‘Bring a Friend’ offer: Bring a friend along for FREE when you book a ticket! To redeem, use the code FRIEND at check out.

The Jazz Club
2024-08-18 19:00 - 19:45 (Europe/London)
Sunday 18th August | 19:00
IMPROMPTWO presents THE JAZZ CLUB
Picture this: It’s the mid-1940s, just as the war is ending. We’re in a lower-class jazz club in New York, where the vibe is hopeful for new beginnings – or is that optimism misguided? Join ImprompTwo, a duo favorite at festivals around the world, as they create a show filled with regrets, passion ignited (or perhaps denied), and beautiful silences, all set within a world that is trying to find itself again. Come join us as we listen to live jazz, and maybe the secrets others share with us.
About ImprompTwo
ImprompTwo has been performing at improv festivals around the world for seven years, including Sweden (SWIMP, Goteburg), England (Robin Hood – 2022, 2023, 2024), Paris, Oslo (SNIF 2024), and across the US (South Carolina, LA, Baton Rouge, Miami, Tampa, Chicago, Nashville, and more), and in Canada. Both members of ImprompTwo bring years of experience in producing and performing theatre in New York and Canada, and bring that sensibility to their improv scenes, which are known for beautiful silences, quick banter, and passion. Joe is a professional actor and was formerly AD of Firedrake Productions in NY. Kathy is a published and produced playwright in NY and Toronto. They have studied with many of the leading improvisers in the world, including Susan Messing, David Razowsky, Impro Theatre LA, Mark Phoenix, Tony Reliage, Craig and Carla Cackowski, and their coach Gael Dooneweerd-Perry (Amsterdam) to name a few.
This show will take place in the Bar of the Bristol Improv Theatre.

Acaprov: The Improvised A Cappella Musical
2024-08-23 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 23rd August | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Imagine a new kind of musical: beatboxers, rappers, actors, singers, dancers and body percussionists coming together completely a cappella to improvise a fresh, heart-warming show, that you’ll never forget.
Every performance is unique. Acaprov take a location and title from the audience before spontaneously creating a non-stop musical that will make you laugh, cry, dance in your seat, and sing all the way home! Everything seen and heard is 100% invented in the moment and entirely from the minds, mouths and bodies of the performers – completely a cappella.
Acaprov is a 5* improvised a cappella long form musical directed by award winning actor, singer and improviser Lisa Lynn (HOOPLA, Hell Yeah! The Show, The Southend 48 Hour Improvathon). The show brings together Beat-Boxing, Rap, Body Percussion, Acting, Dance, Singing, Improv and heart to entertain audiences world wide.
With support from students taking the A Cappella Improv Intensive with Lisa Lynn

The Noise Next Door: Freewheeling
2024-09-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-09-07 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 6th & Saturday 7th September | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Buckle up… You’re in for a hell of a ride! The quickest wits in comedy are here to take you on a totally improvised tour around YOUR weirdest and wildest ideas.
The Noise Next Door are going hell for leather in this brand new show as they race through a priceless parade of off-the-cuff gags, scenes and songs, all based on your suggestions.
The Noise Next Door are twelve-time sell-out veterans of The Edinburgh Fringe and have appeared on ‘The One Show’ (BBC One), ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ (ITV1), and ‘Roast Battle’ (Comedy Central). They have also appeared alongside the likes of Michael McIntyre, Katherine Ryan, Romesh Ranganathan and Harry Hill.
“Hilarious… A superior kind of chaos” Telegraph
“21st century comedy at its finest and funniest.” The Stage
“Comedy gold… Staggeringly well executed.” Guardian
“Phenomenal” Daily Mirror
(Age Suggestion: 15+)

The Awkward Guide to Friendship
2024-09-27 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 27th September | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
House of Figs presents: The Awkward Guide to Friendship
– Does the cat get your tongue when you’re meeting new people?
– Does it take a while to get to know you?
– Do you wander lonely as a cloud?
– Are you still trying to believe that you belong, even surrounded by friends?
Then climb aboard…
House of Figs bring you their new work navigating the choppy waters of friendship, from perfectly platonic meet-cutes to courageous conversations… and beyond. Join poet Beth Calverley and musician Beth Roberts on a voyage through deep friendship feelings, safely afloat in an otherworldly choir of spoken and sung voices.
The Awkward Guide to Friendship traces the tale of Beth & Beth’s friendship, interspersing the duo’s own experiences of loneliness and connection with voice notes of other people talking about friendship, original songs and immersive soundscapes. Along the way, they invite their new friends (you!) to help inspire some live improvisations and join in with collective singing – though quiet listening is equally welcomed.
Praise for House of Figs:
“The definition of wholesome fun” – Shambala audience member
“Hypnotic… radiates tenderness and awe” – Sabotage Reviews
“One of those truly exciting creative moments where I feel a more complete, more feeling, more alive person for having experienced your thoughts & words.” – Awkward Guide audience member

About House of Figs:
House of Figs is a collaboration between Beth Calverley (The Poetry Machine) and Beth Roberts (Hands of the Heron / Hedera / Tryani Collective). Beth and Beth hold parallel roles as Poet and Musician in Residence for their local NHS Trust. From hospitals to festivals, they create a held space wherever they perform, illuminating the value of care for ourselves and others. They have headlined events at Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival and Komedia Bath, and performed at Shambala, HowTheLightGetsIn, Green Man, WOMAD, Good Grief and Bristol Harbour Festival.
In 2023, the duo shared their multifaceted, ADHD-fuelled work-in-progress and (to their relief), found that it deeply resonated with audiences in the moment of performance and long after the show. Since then, the duo have honed their tangle of tangents into a powerful gig theatre piece, with a mission that no-one will ever again think: “everyone finds friendship easier than I do.”
Follow them @ourhouseoffigs

Photo credit: Paul Blakemore

Frankenstein (On a Budget)
2024-10-11 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-10-12 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 11th October | 20:00
Saturday 12th October | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
One man, one monster, one glorious dream to single-handedly tell the most famous cult horror story of all time, and absolutely no budget whatsoever. What could possibly go wrong?
Frankenstein (On a Budget) features one actor, some decidedly dodgy backdrops, lots of weather based puns, plenty of cardboard props and more hats than you can throw a stick at. Can our ill fated doctor build his monstrous creation, play 25 characters, sing lots of songs, attempt accents from across the world, perform a dance routine, and ultimately save the day in just 60 minutes?
From the creators of the hit comedy action adventure musical, War or the Worlds (On a Budget).
Featuring a full soundtrack of brand new music, with incredible cardboard creations and characters inspired by Mary Shelley and Boris Karloff, Frankenstein (On a Budget) is the comedy musical hammer horror homage that you didn’t know you needed.
Photo credit: Thomas Byron Photography
With support from ‘After Dusk: The Improvised Twilight Zone’ (Real Positive Poles)
Filed mistakenly under E for Mystery: unscripted episodes of the television anthology known as The Twilight Zone. An improvised parody of the 1960s TV show that inspired Black Mirror. Accompanied by a live violinist, some of Bristol’s best improvisers create two brand-new episodes of the cult sci-fi classic. Suitable for all levels of nerdiness and Twilight Zone knowledge, including none! “A beautiful demonstration of everything that improvised performance can be” ★★★★★ – The Reviews Hub
Age guidance 14+
Warning: horror references, gore, flashing lights
To book your ticket, simply choose your preferred date from the calendar below.

Mixed Omens
2024-10-18 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 18th October | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Mixed Omens, an improvised play in the style of Neil Gaiman, is coming to the Bristol Improv Theatre!
The Improvised Play, one of London’s premier narrative improv groups, is taking on the world of the books (if not values) of Neil Gaiman! If you love American Gods, Sandman and Good Omens, it’s your chance to see a fantastic performance in their style.
Described by audiences as “gloriously theatrical”, Mixed Omens combines the spontaneity of improv with a three-act play structure, physicality, props and masks. Both witty and eerie, the cast will provide you with an adventure to remember!
Explore the world of shadows outside the known reality, where demons rub shoulders with humans and gods… Are you ready to fall through the cracks?
Kathy Rinaldi: “…one of the most beautiful, magical, layered pieces of improv we’ve ever seen. […] a master class in how an ensemble can transport you for an hour.”
With support from: The Library Of Forgotten Books
The Librarians Anděl Sudik & Rebecca MacMillan present The Library of Forgotten Books, a sanctuary of lost stories. Here, The Librarians explore neglected titles, deciding their fate—whether to preserve them in our memories or consign them to oblivion. We invite you to bring a forgotten book for potential submission to our collection. Please note: submitted books may be damaged or destroyed in the name of improv, so only bring ones you don’t want back.

Instagram: @MixedOmens , @stephendavidsonimprov
X – @Mixed_Omens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mixedomens

Lights Up! The Improvised Musical
2024-10-27 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Sunday 27th October | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
It’s Lights Up! on a brand-new, completely improvised musical that’s as unpredictable as it is unforgettable! With only your suggestions for inspiration, the cast weaves together a hilarious narrative packed with lovable characters, catchy tunes, and jaw-dropping harmonies. Described as “pure magic on stage,” each show is a laugh-out-loud journey through the unexpected that will stay with you long after the final note!
Hailing from the worlds of professional musical theatre and opera, Berlin’s Kaleidoscope is a powerhouse ensemble known for their stunning musicality, razor-sharp wit, and storytelling prowess. Now, after two years of sell-out shows in Germany and a smash debut at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, these performers are zipping up their boilersuits, lacing up their Converse, and taking their show on tour across the UK!
★★★★★ “Riotous Joy” (UK Theatre Network)
“Beguiling, clever, and funny” “(British Theatre Guide)
“A feel-good show” (FringeReview)
Watch the show trailer here >
Cast:
Performers: Angie Cornwell, Caroline Wiechers, Michelle McCarthy, Katie Love, Tina Marie Serra
Music: Joseph Pierce (keys), Juan Hurtado Bergeth (percussion)

Kaleidoscope
YouTube >
Instagram >
Facebook >

Murder, She Didn't Fright
2024-10-31 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-01 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-02 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Thursday 31st October | 20:00
Friday 1st November | 20:00
Saturday 2nd November | 20:00
A spooktacular special edition of the Murder-Mystery improv hit.
On a dark and stormy night, an original classic horror play is created based entirely on your suggestions. A cast of ghoulish, grotesque (and hilarious) characters are assembled for an evening of murder, mayhem and making it up on the spot.
Frankenstein poisoned in the parlour? The Wolfman choked by a cheesewheel? The invisible man torn to invisible shreds. You decide! But will you guess whodunit?
Degrees of Error are thrilled to present a spine-tingling twist on their smash hit, Murder, She Didn’t Write! Come along for a night of tricks and treats…
Arrive in costume to enjoy a Halloween themed drink on the house! Plus, there’s a prize for the best dressed, so put on your most spooky attire and join the fun!
“Witty and hugely entertaining!”
★★★★★ – THEATRE BUBBLE
“Outstanding performances by a seriously talented cast.”
★★★★★ – THREE WEEKS
“Had me howling with laughter… mesmerizingly impressive!”
★★★★ – ARTHUR’S SEAT
A photographer will be present at the show taking place on 31st October. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please let the photographer know on the night.
To book your ticket, simply choose your preferred date from the calendar below.

The Show That Must Not Be Named
2024-12-14 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 14th December | 20:00
(Doors 19:30)
Calling all witches, wizards, and magical folx! Returning to Bristol after sell-out shows in 2022 and 2023, this Christmas you are once again invited to take up your place at “The Show That Must Not Be Named” (for legal reasons) – spoof improvised Harry Potter from Chortle Award-winning Jericho Comedy.
Watch as they conjure a never-before-seen adventure set in the wizarding world, inspired by your suggestions and a little bit of magic.
Previous praise:

‘Brilliant – energised, fun and funny’ (Daily Info)
‘Supreme talent’ ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ (EdFringe Review)
‘Roaring success at creating vibrant comedy shows’ ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ (The Oxford Maill)

Suitable for all ages and magical abilities.
Mischief managed.
Wizarding Games:
Join us after The Show That Must Not Be Named for some managed mischief with our very own Wizarding Games! Compete in groups, take part for fun, or just sit back and watch the rivalries develop until a winner is found.
The Wizarding Games are a specially themed adaptation of our games night event: part-quiz, part-taskmaster challenge, all very serious of course.
Event Timings:
19:30: Doors open
20:00 – 21:00: The Show That Must Not Be Named
21:00 – 21:20: Interval
21:20 – 22:00: Wizarding Games
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL!
Book your ticket today and claim a FREE mulled cider on show night to get you into the festive spirit!
Offer ends midnight 29/11/24

To claim your free drink, simply show your booking confirmation email to bar staff which will have the date you booked on it. It’s one drink per ticket – so we’ll be making a list, and checking it twice!
You will be entitled to one free drink per ticket.

Giant Steps
2025-01-31 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 31st January | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30pm)
Created by Max Dickens and Conor Jatter, the ground-breaking fusion of improv comedy and live jazz comes to the BIT after sell-out Edinburgh Fringe and London shows.
Improvisation meets improvisation as top UK comedians and virtuoso jazz musicians inspire each other in real time to create an unparalleled live experience. Expect fresh licks and big laughs in a one-of-a-kind jam that’s different every night.
Featuring a rotating ensemble of talent from your favourite Fringe improv shows like Showstoppers and Austentatious, plus the cream of the festival music scene, Giant Steps is your quintessential Edinburgh experience. ‘An absolute must see’ ***** (TheatreWeekly.com).
Giant Steps will be supported by Bristol based H.E.L.E.N. as their opening act.
More about H.E.L.E.N.
Helen is an improvised comedy trio made up of the inimitable Helen Herman, Ivor Cutler protege Joe Coles and the enfant terrible of the Irish Dubstep scene Hubert McIntyre.
Helen have pioneered the H.E.L.E.N comedy home delivery service, which as far as is known, is the first of its kind. They specialise in enacting Freudian nightmares. They are in no way affiliated with the Basque Separatist movement of the same name.

The RH Experience
2025-02-01 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Saturday 1st February | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
The RH Experience are returning to the BIT with their unique blend of storytelling and anarchic silliness… and possibly their new format! A Five Star improvised comedy sketch group, who have been performing live shows & producing sketches for nearly two decades, and between them have performed at Glastonbury and Latitude Festivals, Edinburgh & Brighton Fringes, and have featured on BBC One, BBC Radio 4 & E4.
“★★★★★ A masterful, magical adventure from truly gifted improvisers“ – JokePit
“★★★★★ Their sheer amount of brainpower and comedic instinct led to hilarity“ – TenEighty Magazine
“★★★★ absurd and tear-inducingly funny” – Broadway Baby
“These pioneers of tomfoolery make us laugh to the point of exhaustion” – The405
Opening Act: Ki Shah’s One-Offs
Join improv disruptor Kierann Shah for her one-woman improvised stand up and sketch show, inspired by one word from the audience with no script. Awkward? Yes. Funny? Absolutely. Kierann is an improviser, actor and writer – and Artistic Director at the Bristol Improv Theatre*.
*She doesn’t put her own shows into the programme too frequently on principle, so it’s a one off in more than one way!

The Bareback Kings Valentine’s Special
2025-02-14 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 14th February | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Feeling the Valentine’s Day blues? Need an alternative to the commercialisation of romance? Let London favourites The Bareback Kings bring more lurve into your life with their drag king swagger, tackling the issues of the hour in this improvised comedy show. The boyz are rude, crude but never disrespecting the ladies. Even when they’re whipping their kecks off.
The Bareback Kings are a not-so-regular group of women having a go at being regular dudes. Four women, dressed as lads, take the piss out of anything related to being alive in the 21st century—gender, politics, Deliveroo, to name a few. Each show the lads will ask for your suggestions, and your digits, to create a one-off memorable experience.
The Bareback Kings – otherwise known as Brent, Dirk, Gary and Seb – have been riding together since 2017. Proud members of the improv, drag and LGBTQIA communities, their raucous-comedy-shows also provoke discussion about gender and identity. They have performed across London, the UK, and New York with their unique brand of improvised drag-king comedy. If you like your comedy anarchic, real, and with a sock down its pants, you’ll like The Bareback Kings.
“Genuinely hilarious” – The Sunday Times
“Hilarious and raucous explosion…The group have deftly distilled the essence of lads, lads, lads…I could literally watch ALL DAY.” – Phoenix Remix.
With support from:
Up The Antics present, Power Couple.
Sketch veterans (and real life Husband and Wife) Ros and Scott mine their relationship to deliver the best of their couple-themed sketches.
Leicester Square Sketch-Off Semi-Finalists
“Brilliantly Witty” ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
“Up The Antics are guaranteed to deliver a laugh every minute” ★★★★ EdFringeReview

Double Bill: Fabled & The Table Read
2025-03-14 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 14th March | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Gather round weary travellers, for a fantastic storytelling double bill featuring London’s improvised fantasy adventure Fabled, and Bristol’s own The Table Read – exploring the film scripts that never quite made it.
More about Fabled:
The Greatest Fantasy Yet Untold!
Sit thine bottoms and open thy ears to a story so improvised, so fantasy, so…adventure…that it will feel as if you have failed a wisdom saving throw against a charm person spell.
Fabled is an entirely improvised fantasy adventure tale featuring a hilarious cast of improvisers with live musical accompaniment.
Grab a stool at the fabled tavern and join us on our quest. maybe bring a friend— after all, it’s dangerous to go alone!
★★★★
“A delightful hour of improvised theatre” – Little Lark in London
More about The Table Read:
Not every classic movie started out as a classic… As part of a touring series, the British Institute of Film is screening exclusive behind the scenes footage of the first ever script read throughs of the most famous movies in the history of cinema, as chosen by the audience! This inaugural meeting of the actors will be interspersed with early on-set tales of iconic scenes from the film, as well as some candid hidden camera footage, revealing all of the cast’s dirty secrets and hidden agendas.
Actors may be fired, directors may be questioned, and there’s probably a good reason this footage never saw the light of day until now. Come and witness the entirely improvised Table Read for all the inside scoops on your favourite movies.

Little Improv Festival: Track 96 present The Oracle
2025-03-28 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday Headliner
Friday 28th March | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
As part of the Little Improv Festival, Bristol Improv Theatre is delighted to bring you a new offering from hip-hop improv superstars Track 96!
Track 96 present The Oracle – a thrilling journey into your future, revealed through the power of improvised hip-hop and rhyme.
Join London’s premier hip-hop improv crew for an unforgettable night where your destiny unfolds live on stage. Be part of an experience where freestyle meets foresight. Don’t miss this unique blend of music, comedy, and spontaneous storytelling!
And if you want to have a go at improvised hip-hop yourself, Track 96 will be hosting their Greets & Beats workshop on Saturday 29th March.
Opening Act:
The Bish Bosh Bash and Friends Presents: Story Smash!
Four directors, only one winner. Using your suggestions our directors will create 4 unique, never-seen-before stories before your very eyes. The catch? You only get to see the end of one! You decide who makes it to the end, and ultimately which director goes home with the glory!

James Ross Does Guess Who?
2025-05-09 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Friday 9th May | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Remember childhood-favourite Guess Who? It’s that, but based on vibes and played with you, the lovely audience. Failure is certain. A good time not absolutely guaranteed but quite likely. It’s a very silly party show, I think you’ll have fun with it.
James Ross is the brains behind long-running, leftie, no-punching-down, cult-favourite London comedy night Quantum Leopard.
Five-time Chortle Award winner.
★★★★★ (One4Review.co.uk).
★★★★ (Daily Mirror).
‘[The] irresistible momentum of a drunk on an obstacle course‘ (Socialist).
Supported by: The Groundhogs
The Groundhogs originated as part of Bristol Longform Comedy and are icons of Bristol’s longform improv scene. Watch their cast relive the same scene over and over – and see how the tiniest of changes can lead to a totally different future, exploring the many different ways that a single scene could have gone…but didn’t.

Do Not Adjust Your Stage: The Wunderkammer
2025-05-24 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 24th May | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
DNAYS return to Bristol for 2025 – Improvised comedy sketches and scenes inspired by TED-style talks from guest speakers.
Previous guest speakers include a professional extreme snowboarder, a Greenpeace activist, the scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep, a Game of Thrones superfan and a piracy expert.
Recommended by TimeOut, Metro, Londonist, ToDoList. Sell-out shows in the UK, Europe, US, including a residency at the Natural History Museum. Winner – Stagedoor’s Most Loved Show at VaultFest.
★★★★★ “Fearless comedy to great effect” (Everything Theatre)
★★★★★ “A superb masterclass in the art of improv comedy” (LondonTheatre1)
★★★★ “Impressive” (Three Weeks)
★★★★ “The thinking person’s improv night” (Remote Goat)
DNAYS website https://dnays.com/
Instagram & Twitter: @dnayscomedy

With support from
Beansville presents: The Workplace

It’s another day at the office…or maybe even that other weird place you once worked. With all of the romances, rivalries, politics and performance issues you’d expect, all made up on the spot. Watch the pilot episode of an improvised workplace comedy, based on your suggestions.

Instagram & Facebook: @beansvilleimprov

To book your ticket, simply choose your preferred ticket option from below

The Antics Joke Show Ft. Susan Harrison
2025-05-31 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London)
Saturday 31st May | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Up The Antics bring their hit format of comedy variety – featuring sketch comedy from hilarious character comedian Susan Harrison (Showstopper: The Improvised Musical, Mischief Movie Night, Austentatious), stand-up from an up-and-coming local talent and improv comedy from the Antics themselves.

Full Line-Up:
Character Comedy from Susan Harrison
Should I Still Be Doing this?

Award winning character comedian and acclaimed improviser Susan Harrison brings you a selection of joyfully bizarre characters from her brand new show. Featuring; a woman who swallowed a girl in a well, an angry panda from the 90’s and a Sindy Doll with low self esteem.
As seen/heard in:
Showstopper: The Improvised Musical, These Folk, Mischief Movie Night, Austentatious, BBC Radio 4, CBBC.
Praise for Susan’s previous shows:
“First class comic acting” (The Guardian)
“Smart and original absurdist humour” ★★★★★ (ThreeWeeks)
“A fantastic character comedian” (Chortle)
Improv from Up The Antics

Bristol’s own Up The Antics will be bringing their unique brand of improv silliness. Just give them a suggestion of a location and watch them fall down the rabbit hole of hilarious characters, sketches and quick wit. Come see the group that have been featured on BBC Radio 4 Extra, performed four hit Edinburgh Fringe shows and won awards for their online sketch content.
Leicester Square Sketch-Off Semi-Finalists
“Brilliantly witty.”
★★★★★ Inter:Mission
“Up The Antics are guaranteed to deliver a laugh every minute.”
★★★★ EdFringeReview
Plus Stand-Up Comedy hand-picked from the rising stars of the local circuit!
Susan Harrison will also be holding a workshop, ‘Nailing Characters for Auditions – and Beyond‘, on Sunday 1st June, which can be booked here >

Dragprov Revue
2025-07-05 20:00 - 22:00 UTC
Saturday 5th July | 20:00 – 22:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Grab your glitter and strut on down to Clifton, Dragprov is back in Brizzle for a Pride Extravaganza!
This dazzling drag king and queen double act will whip up songs, sketches, raps, and an entire musical, all made up on the spot — just for you. Think, golden age glamour meets corset-splitting chaos – with smash hit shows from the Edinburgh Fringe to Glastonbury Festival. Serving you wit as sharp as their contour, jinks as high as their brows, memories that will stick with you longer than last night’s glitter… Darling, it’s Dragprov.
‘Quick-witted, eloquent…Dragprov are bringing glamour to improvised comedy’ – The Guardian
‘I do not have enough superlatives to describe how incredible this inimitable act is… filled me with so much joy I wondered what I’d done to deserve it’ ★★★★★ – The Pink Times
‘Musically flawless… an uproariously wicked success. A glamorous, belly laugh fiesta’ ★★★★★ – The 730 Review
‘The name everyone talks about in London’ ★★★★★ – The Phoenix Remix
‘Brilliantly funny’ ★★★★ – London Theatre 1
‘Sharp as a bobby pin’ ★★★★ – The Musical Theatre Review
