International Women's Day: WOMAN
2024-03-08 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 8th March | 20:00

Women, Stories, Truth, Friendship, Creativity.
Join us for an evening celebrating International Women’s Day.
The Bristol Improv Theatre will be showcasing a range of exceptional performers from our community, including a specially created improvised theatre piece devised by former Theatre School students Tina Malhotra and Camilla Owen.

Games Night
2024-03-13 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Valentines/Palentines Games Night | 14th February| 20:00- 22:00
International Women’s Day Games Night | 13th March | 20:00-22:00

Bring your friends to Games Night; our pub quiz-cum-improv challenge night!
Inspired by an array of popular improvised activities, our night of gripping games and comical challenges will have you and your team howling with laughter as you play together against others. From solving riveting riddles to giggling at guessing games, and acting out murder mystery charades, you can let your competitive side run wild!
Throughout the evening, your hilarious hosts will dish out points for the most creative, competitive and completely barmy endeavours. All of our games can be played at your table amongst your team. We’ll never force you to perform for the crowd, unless you want to!
Our hosts will bring the games, we’ll bring the atmosphere, all you need to do is turn up and have fun!
Valentines/Palentines Games Night: Love is in the Bristol Improv Theatre for our Valentines/Palentines Games Night! Bring your dates, brings your mates for a night of friendly competition themed around all things loooove ????

IWD Games Night: Come to our March Games Night to celebrate International Women’s Day! Everyone is welcome for this special night celebrating inspirational women everywhere!

The Improv Gym
2024-03-20 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Fortnightly Wednesdays, starting 24th January | 19:00 – 22:00
Improve your improv!
In your journey through improv, it isn’t always about acquiring a new skill for your improviser’s toolkit or throwing yourself into a new and unfamiliar style of play. Sometimes you need to practise your existing skills, polish up your play, and get your reps in with some feedback/pointers and constructive critique from an expert. Enter the Improv Gym!
Part rehearsal room, part personal improv training, the Improv Gym is a facilitated space where you can work on your skills and draw upon the expertise of our experienced teaching staff. Each session will be led by a Bristol Improv Theatre Instructor who will warm you up and set you going with exercises, games, and scenes that will work on the skill areas that you want to improve, before providing individualised feedback, coaching, and critique to help you get to the next level.
If you have a particular skill or piece of work that you want to focus on, let the instructor know and they’ll tailor your session accordingly. If you’re working on something with specialised equipment, skills, or knowledge – such as puppetry, singing, dance, or any props/technical requirements – please email theatreschool@improvtheatre.co.uk ahead of time so that we can prepare everything we’ll need to support you in the session.
Each session lasts 3 hours and is capped at 8 places.
The Improv Gym is about improving the skills you want to work on – if you’re looking for something a bit more structured or just want to turn up and play, why not try our Improv Drop-ins?

Changes to timings and pricing
Following a successful trial period during the Summer and early Autumn, we’ve made some slight changes to the Improv Gym for 2024.
The Improv Gym will run fortnightly from 24th January. Each session is now 3 hours long and capped at 8 places to allow for more bespoke feedback and coaching from our instructor. As such, the price of the session has increased to account for the added time and more personalised experience. With affordability in mind, we are continuing to offer a concession price to try to keep the session accessible for those who would find the full price to be a barrier. For those that are able to pay more we also have a supporter ticket price, where the additional income will go towards the running of these sessions.
If the concession price cost is still a barrier for you, and you feel that the Improv Gym is the best option for you to develop as an improviser, please contact us at hello@improvtheatre.co.uk and we can discuss flexible payment options and/or bursary spaces with you.

MTB: Cabaret Through the Ages
2024-03-21 20:00 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Thursday 21st March | 20:00 (doors 19:30)
MTB’s Spring Cabaret is a musical journey through the ages with numbers from classics such as Anything Goes to modern hits like Everybody’s Talking About Jamie! The un-auditioned show is a fantastic way to ensure all members of our society get their chance to shine on stage!

Character In Improv (with Susan Harrison)
2024-03-22 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 22nd March | 10:00 – 13:00
A fun 3 hour workshop focusing on character in improv.

Explore
Play
Practise
Be pushed out of your comfort zone
Work on specific challenges, tailored to you

Who is this for?
This is a workshop for improvisers who want to practise improvising lots of different characters. Whether you’d like to improve and expand your range, or whether you love playing characters and want to get even more practise at it, this is a session for you. We’ll look at a variety of ways into character and will also do some improvised scenes, with side-coaching/feedback from me, so that you can put techniques into practise.
Testimonials
“Susan delivers world-class coaching. She brings out the best in people, and helps them realise their full potential.” (David Symington – Character in Improv Course student)
“Susan Harrison has a very tactical approach and gives very specific constructive notes that help each individual to work on their weakest points and therefore improve more quickly. It was a pleasure to be taught by someone so talented and enthusiastic yet highly approachable”. (Lola Maxwell – Character in Improv Course student)
www.susanharrisoncharacters.com
These Folk Workshops x Little Improv Festival Ticket Offer
To celebrate the first day of our Little Improv Festival, we’re giving you £10 off when you book for both ‘Characters In Improv (with Susan Harrison)’ and ‘F*%cking with Conventions in Narrative Improv (with Justin Brett)’. Use the code THESEFOLK-10 at the checkout with tickets for both workshops in your basket to redeem. (Please note, this discount cannot be applied to tickets already purchased).

About the Instructor
I’m Susan Harrison and I’m an improviser, actor and character comedian. I am a longstanding member of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical who I perform with nationally and on the West End. I also improvise with Mischief Movie Night (Mischief Theatre) and have been lucky enough to play with West End hit show Austentatious. I have my own show These Folk (alongside Justin Brett) an improvised folk musical, and I perform with improv duo BEINGS at Hoopla. I am all about characters, playfulness and emotional connection. I teach for Showstopper, Hoopla (London’s biggest improv school) and have also taught improv at Mountview, GSA, ALRA, The Bridge, The Actors Centre, as well as at improv festivals in Ireland, Scotland and Rome. I teach improvisers of all levels of experience and am passionate about creating a supportive and playful learning environment.
See These Folk at the Bristol Improv Theatre
We’re delighted that Justin and Susan will be performing their show ‘These Folk’ on the evening of Friday 22nd March to kick off The Little Improv Festival. Book Tickets for The Little Improv Festival 2024: These Folk >

The Little Improv Festival
2024-03-22 10:00 - 2024-03-24 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
After a hugely successful inaugural event last year, The Bristol Improv Theatre are delighted to announce the return of The Little Improv Festival for 2024! Join us on Friday 22nd March for the festival launch, followed by an all day festival on 23rd March.
Expect exciting entertainment from Bristol’s best improvisers, a chance or two to give improv a go yourself, a warm welcome in our cosy bar between shows and lots more from the friendliest theatre in town!
FRIDAY 22nd MARCH
10:00 – 13:00: Character In Improv (with Susan Harrison) – Workshop
14:00 – 17:00: F*%cking with Conventions in Narrative (with Justin Brett) – Workshop
20:00 – 22:00: The Little Improv Festival: These Folk
SATURDAY 23rd March
BAR
For a full rundown of events and performances happening in our bar, head to our Bar Programme page >

10:30 – 11:00: Meet the Bristol Improv Theatre team
11:00 – 11:45: Improv Jam
13:00 – 15:40: Improv Performances
15:45 – 16:30: Improv Jam
16:45 – 17:55: Improv Performances

DRAWING ROOM

10:00 – 11:30: Warm Up and Welcome
12:00 – 13:30: Bring Improv to Work
14:00 – 15:30: Commit to Your Characters
16:00 – 17:30: Improv for Fun

THEATRE

10:00 – 13:00: Intro to Songprov
13:15 – 15:15: Improv Taster Session
15:30 – 18:00: Scenes from Truth

20:00 – 22:00: The Little Improv Festival: The Antics Joke Show ft Hell Yeah!
SUNDAY 24th March
10:00 – 11:45: Improv Meet Up at Coppa Club
Little Improv Festival Workshop Bundles
Struggling to decide what workshops to attend on Saturday 23rd March? We’ve put together some fabulous Workshop Bundles to save you the decision and give you a discount when you book for multiple workshops! There’s a bundle for everyone, from improv beginners to those looking to add even more to their improvisers toolkit!

Beginner’s Bundle – Perfect for those who are dipping their toes into the world of improv for the first time!

Bundle includes: Warm Up and Welcome (10:00 – 11:30) | Improv Taster Session (13:15 – 15:15) | Improv for Fun (16:00 – 17:30)
Use the code LIF-BEGINNERS-BUNDLE at the checkout to get 15% off when you book all three workshops.

Intermediate Bundle – For budding improvisers who are looking to add new skills to their improvisers toolkit and hone their performance work.

Bundle includes: Intro to Songprov (10:00 – 13:00) | Scenes from Truth (15:30 – 18:00)
Use the code LIF-INTERMEDIATE-BUNDLE at the checkout to get 10% off when you book both workshops.

Drawing Room Bundle – A great option for those who want a bit of variety and a fun-filled day!

Bundle includes: Warm Up and Welcome (10:00 – 11:30) and 2 other workshops in the Drawing Room (Choose from: Bring Improv to Work (12:00 – 13:30) | Commit to Your Characters (14:00 – 15:30) | Improv for Fun (16:00 – 17:30))
Use the code LIF-DRAWING-ROOM-BUNDLE at the checkout to get 10% off when you book three Drawing Room workshops.

F*%cking with Conventions in Narrative Improv (with Justin Brett)
2024-03-22 14:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 22nd March | 14:00 – 17:00
Question: What narrative/improv conventions can I use to best tell my story? Answer: All, some, or none of them.*
Nobody entered a brawl thinking ‘I only have a bottle, so I’d better just use that, and hope that there’s a repeat of punch 3 I can bring back, and maybe a group game’.
With our show, ‘These Folk’, there were often discussions about narrative conventions, but recently this question has presented itself: ‘Why not have potential use of ALL of the storytelling weapons we have at our disposal that we even know of, whilst also being skilful enough to honour them and not make convention salad?’ Super-fun, right?!
In this 3-hour workshop we will explore some of the many improv, storytelling and just plain FUN tools we have at our disposal: character swapping, cutaways, flashbacks, theatricality, songs, short-form games, good connected acting and more. We will share conventions we love; experiment with those that we think we loathe and therefore shy away from (yep!) and free ourselves from habits.
Harold may/may not end up with an arrow/bottle/endless box in his eye. *(Not a definitive answer).
These Folk Workshops x Little Improv Festival Ticket Offer
To celebrate the first day of our Little Improv Festival, we’re giving you £10 off when you book for both ‘F*%cking with Conventions in Narrative Improv (with Justin Brett)’ and ‘Characters In Improv (with Susan Harrison)’. Use the code THESEFOLK-10 at the checkout with tickets for both workshops in your basket to redeem. (Please note, this discount cannot be applied to tickets already purchased).

About the Instructor
Justin is an improviser and actor with a wealth of experience in both scripted and unscripted productions. He has been a longstanding member of Oliver Award Winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical for many years with whom he performs nationally, internationally and on the West End, as well as regularly appearing in the London 50 hour Improvathon and guesting in shows such as GTI.
As an actor he has appeared in numerous productions, ranging from new work such as Then Now and Next, to West End hits such as Million Dollar Quartet. He brings his experience and understanding of theatricality and acting into his improv teaching.
Justin has coached various improv teams, has taught improv at Bath Spa University, has been a guest improv teacher at the Welcome Festival in Rome and has taught for Showstopper in corporate settings all over the world.
See These Folk at the Bristol Improv Theatre
We’re delighted that Justin and Susan will be performing their show ‘These Folk’ on the evening of Friday 22nd March to kick off The Little Improv Festival. Book Tickets for The Little Improv Festival 2024: These Folk >

The Little Improv Festival 2024: These Folk
2024-03-22 20:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 22nd March | 20:00
These Folk is a funny and beautiful improvised folk musical, performed by Susan Harrison & Justin Brett (both longstanding members of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical) and accompanied by incredible improvised guitar and percussion.
Everything is made up onthe spot; the characters, folklore, story, lyrics, harmonies and music.
“These Folk is really funny right off the bat….a perfect blend of self- awareness, with a commitment to the story and its characters- no matter how silly”. (indiependent.co.uk)
“These Folk is that rare combo of beautiful and funny. I laughed, I cried, and I walked away completely inspired”. (Kevin John Gillese, former AD Dad’s Garage, USA)
Plus, bonus show from The Groundhogs!
Making waves on the Bristol comedy circuit, these mischief-makers are back with their own brand of improvised deja-vu. First they’ll improvise a comedy sketch for you. Then they’ll repeat it. Then they’ll repeat it again. Maybe they’ll even do it AGAIN after that. But will the sketch be exactly the same each time…? (Spoiler: It will not)

The Little Improv Festival: Warm Up and Welcome Workshop
2024-03-23 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 10:00 – 11:30 | Drawing Room
Kick off the Little Improv Festival in the right way with our Warm Up and Welcome workshop!
Whether you’ve planned a jam-packed day of improvising at the Little Improv Festival workshops, or if you’re just looking for a fun and gentle way to start your Saturday, this workshop is for you! Join our experienced and friendly instructor, Cat for an array of exercises and games to get you moving and prepare you for the day ahead and energise your body and mind for whatever weekend plans you have!

The Little Improv Festival: Intro to Songprov (Workshop)
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 10:00 – 13:00 | Theatre
An introduction to singing improvised songs with a focus on the verse-chorus structure, led by Will Gawned (This Is Your Musical) and accompanied by Simon Hembra (Degrees of Error, Closer Each Day, Bish Bosh Bash). Open to anyone with an interest in improvising songs!
About the Instructor
Will Gawned moved from Australia to Bristol in 2016 and took up improv to meet people and have a laugh. He’s now a regular performer with This Is Your Musical, has directed shows with Unscripted Players, and performed in various Bristol Improv Theatre productions. Will’s background is in scripted theatre, performance poetry, science teaching, creative writing and Dungeons & Dragons. Will is interested in improvised singing, collaborative story-telling, and non-comedic improv.

The Little Improv Festival: Bar Programme
2024-03-23 10:30 - 18:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
The Bristol Improv Theatre is delighted to present the return of The Little Improv Festival. Join us in our bar on 23rd March for an all day festival featuring fantastic local improvisers, improv jams and a chance to meet the Bristol Improv Theatre team.
Throughout the day on Saturday 23rd March, we’ll be bringing you exciting entertainment from some of Bristol’s best improvisers. You can dip in and out of our varied programme of rib-tickling shows or stay the whole day in our cosy, speakeasy-style bar.
Plus, join us at 11:00 and 15:45 for 45 minute, fun-filled Improv Jams. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to take to our bar stage or you can just sit back and enjoy!
Tickets for the bar programme are pay what you decide with a recommended donation of £10, and they allow you access to the bar for the whole day. You can pre-book a ticket below or donate at the bar on the day.
PROGRAMME:

10:30 – 11:00
Meet the Bristol Improv Theatre Team

11:00 – 11:45
Improv Jam

13:00 – 13:20
Tales from the Wasteland

13:25 – 13:45
Secrets from the Sixth Floor

13:50 – 14:10
The Table Read

14:30 – 14:50
Totnes Improv

14:55 – 15:15
Birdwatchers

15:20 – 15:40
The Pressure Cooker

15:45 – 16:30
Improv Jam

16:45 – 17:05
Beansville Presents: Small Town

17:10 – 17:30
Jazz Police

17:35 – 17:55
Last Day On Earth

The Little Improv Festival: Bring Improv to Work (Workshop)
2024-03-23 12:00 - 13:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 12:00 – 13:30 | Drawing Room
Improvisation is a great skill to bring into teams and the workplace; it can foster collaboration, creativity and innovation as well as increase a sense of wellbeing.
Bristol Improv Theatre has been bringing applied improvisation workshops to businesses, universities, schools and community organisations since 2018. Informed by business psychology, coaching approaches and research, our workshops have proved hugely popular and even featured in the Sunday Times.
Join Imogen Palmer and Ste Brown from the applied improv team for a taster of what improv at work could look like.
About the Instructors
Imogen Palmer – Imogen is a theatre-maker, improviser and teacher. She was the Theatre School Manager of The Bristol Improv Theatre 2019 – 2022 and the Artistic Director of The Delight Collective, creator of multiple shows including IMOGENÉ:the improvised pop concert (★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine), The Bish Bosh Bash (★★★★★ – Bristol 247) and International Women’s Day 2020 show ‘If These Walls Could Talk’.
Imogen leads Bristol Improv Theatre’s applied improv offering and has designed and delivered activities for clients including Law Firms, Universities, SMEs and the Civil Service. This work has been featured in the Sunday Times. She draws from her background working in Student Unions where she went through leadership, Trainer the Trainer, equality & diversity and coaching training. Imogen is currently studying a Dramatherapy MA at Roehampton University (London).
Stephen Brown – Alongside having performed improv for nearly a decade, in shows like ‘The Bish Bosh Bash’ and ‘Scenes to an End’, Stephen also co-created and produced the BIT’s longest-running show ‘Tales of Adventure’. Outside of the theatre, Stephen is a professional coach (Stephenbrowncoaching.com), trainer and business psychologist. He has designed many successful, interactive training programmes over the past decade, incorporating the principles of improv, coaching and business psychology.
Alongside Imogen, he has developed the BIT’s Applied Improv offer and delivered high-rated workshops for the NHS, Universities and a variety of businesses in the private sector. He also works one-on-one with clients who want to work on their public speaking, confidence and presence.

The Little Improv Festival: Commit to your Characters (Workshop)
2024-03-23 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 14:00 – 15:30 | Drawing Room
Learn how to add drama and depth to your improv with your character choices!
Join Rachael Procter-Lane (Degrees of Error, Closer Each Day) to explore how to create and sustain believable characters. Open to beginners as well as more experienced improvisers including those who haven’t come from an acting background.
About the Instructor
Rachael Procter-Lane is a stalwart of the improv scene in Bristol, featuring in two of Bristol’s most iconic improv troupes: Closer Each Day, the improvised soap opera that is a Bristol cult classic and the longest running episodic improv show that we know of, and Degrees of Error, who have toured their improvised whodunnit “Murder, She Didn’t Write” across the UK and beyond.

The Little Improv Festival: Scenes from Truth (Workshop)
2024-03-23 15:30 - 18:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 15:30 – 18:00 | Theatre
In Scenes from Truth, we practise bringing authenticity, truth and rich moments to improvised scenes and stories. Using techniques inspired by practitioners including Nadine Antler (Wurzberg Improv), Jason Shotts (IO Chicago) and Sandford Meisner, we explore the freedom which can come when we give ourselves permission to use our own lives and memories as a starting point.
Skills we’ll cover include:

Accelerating connection with performers and audiences
Weaving autobiographical material into improvisation
Acting truthfully under imaginary circumstances

If you’ve been improvising for a while and want to bring truth, authenticity and groundedness to your skillset or if you are a performer new to improv who is craving a gentle way in, this class is for you.
About the Instructor
Imogen Palmer is a theatre-maker, improviser and teacher. She was the Theatre School Manager of The Bristol Improv Theatre 2019 – 2022 and is the Artistic Director of The Delight Collective, creator of multiple shows including IMOGENÉ:the improvised pop concert (★★★★★ ‘IMOGENÉ is the loud, proud and unapologetic performer we all need right now’ – DIVA Magazine), The Bish Bosh Bash (★★★★★ – Bristol 247) and International Women’s Day 2020 show ‘If These Walls Could Talk’.
Imogen has 10+ years of experience as a facilitator and performer, having trained with the world-leading Impro Melbourne and at Howard Fine’s Acting Studio (Melbourne). She’s performed improvised Shakespeare with Soothplayers (Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Melbourne Fringe) as well performing improvised musicals, fairytales, horror, Theatresports™ and Maestro™ with Impro Melbourne. She has trained in Commedia Dell’arte and clowning with master teachers including Didi Hopkins (National Theatre), Fabio Mangolini (Cornucopia Performing Arts Labs), Deanna Fleysher (Naked Comedy Lab), Holly Stoppitt and Phil Burgers (Dr Brown).
Imogen leads Bristol Improv Theatre’s applied improv offering and has designed and delivered activities for clients including Law Firms, Universities, SMEs and the Civil Service. This work has been featured in the Sunday Times. She draws from her background working in Student Unions where she went through leadership, Trainer the Trainer, equality & diversity and coaching training. Imogen is currently studying a Dramatherapy MA at Roehampton University (London).

The Little Improv Festival: Improv for Fun (Workshop)
2024-03-23 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 16:00 – 17:30 | Drawing Room
You don’t need to worry about learning performance skills or progressing onto the next course – this is improv just for fun!
While teaching our Taster Sessions and Discovering Improv classes, Anna and Cat (two of our fantastic instructors) have found that sometimes, people just want to do something FUN. So they’ve listened and developed Improv for Fun! This class is for all those people who are for a place to play, where you can connect with your inner-child and other like-mined individuals.
Join Anna and Cat for an hour and a half of guided improv exercises and games where you don’t have to worry about what comes next. All you need to do is turn up and be ready to play!

The Little Improv Festival: The Antics Joke Show ft Hell Yeah!
2024-03-23 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 23rd March | 20:00
Up The Antics return with their hit format of comedy variety, but this time with a twist! As the show is part of our Little Improv Festival, the whole night will be completely improvised! From the compere’s off-the-cuff banter with the audience, our guest stand-up’s improvised routine (using a random word generator) to improvised performances from Hell Yeah and Up The Antics!
IMPROV FROM UP THE ANTICS
Bristol-based Up The Antics (BBC Radio 4 Extra) take us down the rabbit hole of improvised sketch comedy. With the suggestion of a location, the antics will explore the characters and journeys taken to arrive there, with hilarious results.
Leicester Square Sketch-Off Semi-Finalists 2020
‘A Real Romp’ ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
‘Brilliantly Witty’ – ★★★★ EdFringeReview
IMPROV from HELL YEAH
Fun, femxle-centered, fearless and completely improvised. A supHer group of London’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.
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.
IMPROVISED STAND-UP From JUNE TUESDAY
Our stand-up will be improvising 10 minutes of hilarious comedy based on suggestions from a random word generator!
With whip-smart jokes and hilarious anecdotes, June is quickly making a name for herself as a stalwart fixture of the emerging new wave of British trans comics.
★★★★ “Unmissable!” – TransTimes. | “Boundless energy” – Ed Fringe Review | ★★★★ “Frank. Confessional. Beautifully honest.” – ChatGPT
COMPERING from MILLIE MALONE

Little Improv Festival: Improv Meet Up at Coppa Club
2024-03-24 10:00 - 11:45 (Europe/London) | Coppa Club, 2 - 10 Regent Street, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 4GH
Sunday 24th February | 10:00 – 11:45
We’re delighted to be teaming up with Bristol Longform Comedy to host a relaxed Improv Meet Up to wind down from the Little Improv Festival.
Join us at Coppa Club in Clifton Village for a cuppa, a coffee and a catch-up about all things improv (other topics of conversation are also welcome and encouraged!). If the festival has whetted your appetite and you’d like to find out more about all the improv Bristol has to offer, this is the place to be. Or, if you’re already a Bristol improv veteran, this is a great opportunity to see what other local improvisers are up to in the coming weeks and months!
It’s free to come along but please reserve a spot below so we can let the venue know how many people to expect!
Check out Coppa Club’s Breakfast Menu >

Performing Sketch-Comedy (Workshop) | Biscuit Barrel - CANCELLED
2024-03-28 19:00 - 22:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Thursday 28th March | 19:00 – 22:00 (break included) – CANCELLED
This event has been cancelled. Biscuit Barrel apologise for any disappointment caused. If you have booked a ticket, you will be contacted directly via email.

Please note: This event is hosted by Biscuit Barrel and is not part of The Bristol Improv Theatre’s Theatre School syllabus.
Age Restriction: 18+
Want to learn the ropes of performing sketch-comedy? Acclaimed group Biscuit Barrel invite you to an intimate introduction to this legendary style of comedy.
“Most reliable sketch group in the game” ★★★★ EdFringeReview
Learn about switching between multiple characters and settings in a short space of time, working with text as an ensemble (sketch-team), and finally the beginnings of devising your own ideas in a performance space.
Prior to the workshop, you are even optionally invited to submit your own sketches to be used in the workshop. Whilst we will only use 1-2 sketches sent, everyone has the option to receive feedback. Please email biscuitbarrelsecondary@gmail.com with sketches you’d like to have used.
This workshop will include warm-up games, character exercises, as well as group-work that will entail both text-work and devising exercises.
Lead by director Holly Meechan and assisted by producer/head-writer James Horscroft.

ABOUT INSTRUCTORS:
HOLLY MEECHAN – performer, director:
Holly is a highly-experienced facilitator, having run workshops for over twenty years for a wide variety of groups in corporate, educational and community settings. Outside of Barrel, she facilitates and directs for a number of companies including Tobacco Factory Theatres, Bristol Old Vic and Bristol Clown School.
Holly regularly performs with improv team ‘Rhinoceros’, ‘The Bish Bosh Bash Show’, and ‘Closer Each Day’ at The Wardrobe Theatre. Other credits: Gingerline (performer), sketch podcast ‘Release the Clowns’ (writer + performer).

JAMES HORSCROFT – founder, writer, producer, performer:
Nominated for the David Nobbs Memorial Trust’s Comedy-Writing Award, James is the founder of Biscuit Barrel Comedy. Mentored by Dinos Aristidou under New Writing South’s Young Writers program, James has had worked featured on BBC Radio Bristol and at London Comedy Film Festival. He has also had short-subject work published in The Student Wordsmith and Reflex Fiction.
James is active across both Bristol and his hometown Brighton. As of 2023, he has been an elected Artist Observer to the Board for Brighton Fringe.
Age Restriction: 18+

This event has been cancelled. Biscuit Barrel apologise for any disappointment caused. If you have booked a ticket, you will be contacted directly via email.

BIG QUIZ OF UTTER NONSENSE
2024-03-28 19:30 - 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
Thursday 29th February – Take a Leap Day into the Unknown | 19:30 – 21:30
Thursday 28th March – Thursday is Friday Bank Holiday Special | 19:30 – 21:30
GET YOUR TEAM TOGETHER FOR A PUB TEAM GAME THAT SWAPS GENERAL KNOWLEDGE FOR GENERAL NONSENSE.
Write or draw answers for your nonsense quizmaster in the game described as “Cards against humanity meets Pictionary meets Shooting Stars!”
Get some brain fizz going with questions like…
What is hidden in Lionel Richie’s top secret underground bunker?
What would you replace the shark with in the film Jaws? Draw the poster!
The answer is ‘battered sausage’, what is the question?

Prizes will be awarded for the most original nonsense.
If your answer is similar to others, nil pwa. If your answer is WTF HOW DID THEY THINK OF THAT?! Billions of pwa.
So think beyond ya box and you’ll be well on your way.
What to expect…

Your live Nonsense Quizmaster will start the quiz at the appointed time

You will be guided through a series of quiz rounds where there are no right or wrong answers, only silly and sillier ones!

Teams will be scored on their commitment to Nonsense

Prizes will be awarded at the end

29th February – Take a Leap Day Into the Unknown – Make the most of the extra day of 2024 by joining in with our Leap Year themed special! Ever wondered what the 29th Feb spends its time doing for the other three years? Have you had a vision for a whacky wedding proposal that could feature in a gallery of leap year engagements? Then come along to the Big Quiz and your ludicrous leap year ideas could help you take home the prize!
28th March – Thursday is Friday Bank Holiday Special – Start your bank holiday weekend with a bang where Thursday is the new Friday!
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR TICKETS THROUGH YUUP >

Feminist Paintalong
2024-03-29 15:00 - 17:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 29th March – Abstract Uterus | 15:00 – 17:00

Come join local artist GeetLush at the Bristol Improv Theatre for a feminist paintalong to remember. What better way to celebrate the season of fertility and new life, than by gathering together to paint a womb? That’s right – this month we will be painting an abstract uterus for you to take home and hang in pride of place for Easter.
Don an apron, take a seat at an easel and follow my step-by-step guidance as you make your very own abstract uterus masterpiece. Expect a relaxed social environment where you can explore your inner artist and create something you’ll be truly proud of as well as be around like-minded people and learn a little bit about the human body. There is plenty of time to go at your own pace and there will be help on hand if you need it, it’s a perfect way to get into painting!
Ticket price includes a glass of bubbly (non-alcoholic options and hot drinks available if Prosecco isn’t for you!)
Audience Feedback
“I did a paintalong with Karen, she was really patient with us all in the group, she gave us the confidence and the space to create our own art in our own style, while still making sure we were following along! Such a great experience. I’d definitely do it again!”
“Such a fun painting workshop, supportive and encouraging! Really fun day out! Would go again!”
“I loved it! I learnt more about the vulva than any sex education class at school. To this day, I wow people with my vulva knowledge AND I took home an amazing piece of art, which I created.”
All materials included and no experience necessary. We do advise you to wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy in as we will be using acrylic paint.
Tickets Available through GeetLush’s website >

The Bareback Kings
2024-03-29 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 29th March | 20:00
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.

The Improv Gym
2024-04-03 19:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Fortnightly Wednesdays | 19:00 – 22:00
Improve your improv!
In your journey through improv, it isn’t always about acquiring a new skill for your improviser’s toolkit or throwing yourself into a new and unfamiliar style of play. Sometimes you need to practise your existing skills, polish up your play, and get your reps in with some feedback/pointers and constructive critique from an expert. Enter the Improv Gym!
Part rehearsal room, part personal improv training, the Improv Gym is a facilitated space where you can work on your skills and draw upon the expertise of our experienced teaching staff. Each session will be led by a Bristol Improv Theatre Instructor who will warm you up and set you going with exercises, games, and scenes that will work on the skill areas that you want to improve, before providing individualised feedback, coaching, and critique to help you get to the next level.
If you have a particular skill or piece of work that you want to focus on, let the instructor know and they’ll tailor your session accordingly. If you’re working on something with specialised equipment, skills, or knowledge – such as puppetry, singing, dance, or any props/technical requirements – please email theatreschool@improvtheatre.co.uk ahead of time so that we can prepare everything we’ll need to support you in the session.
Each session lasts 3 hours and is capped at 8 places.
The Improv Gym is about improving the skills you want to work on – if you’re looking for something a bit more structured or just want to turn up and play, why not try our Improv Drop-ins?

Changes to timings and pricing
Following a successful trial period during the Summer and early Autumn, we’ve made some slight changes to the Improv Gym for 2024.
The Improv Gym will run fortnightly from 24th January. Each session is now 3 hours long and capped at 8 places to allow for more bespoke feedback and coaching from our instructor. As such, the price of the session has increased to account for the added time and more personalised experience. With affordability in mind, we are continuing to offer a concession price to try to keep the session accessible for those who would find the full price to be a barrier. For those that are able to pay more we also have a supporter ticket price, where the additional income will go towards the running of these sessions.
If the concession price cost is still a barrier for you, and you feel that the Improv Gym is the best option for you to develop as an improviser, please contact us at hello@improvtheatre.co.uk and we can discuss flexible payment options and/or bursary spaces with you.

Improv Jam & Social
2024-04-04 20:00 - 22:00 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
First Thursday of Every Month | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
Join us for an evening of improv games, socialising and fun at our monthly jam.
You can sign up to play improv games – think ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ – or scenes, all facilitated by our experienced compere. There will be lots of silly nonsense, laughs and plenty of chances to join in! Everyone is welcome, whether you’re aching to stretch your improv muscles, curious to try improvising for the very first time, or simply want to come along and watch.
Tickets are pay what you decide, but please book in advance so we know who we’re expecting. Please book your ticket below and use the donation box to decide how much you would like to pay.

Performing Level 2: Exploring Narrative Student Showcase
2024-04-08 20:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Monday 8th April | 20:00
Come and see the graduates of BIT’s latest Performing Improv course as they share some of the skills they’ve been building over the 7 week course.
Our wonderful students will be improvising stories and weaving scenes together into narratives based on your suggestions.
FREE ENTRY – fellow students, family and friends welcome!
The bar will be open from 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Why not join us for a celebratory drink after the show?

Performing L1: Creating Characters Student Showcase
2024-04-09 20:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
TUESDAY 9TH APRIL | 20:00
Come and see the graduates of BIT’s latest Performing Improv Level 1 course as they share some of the skills they’ve been building over the 7 week course.
Our wonderful students will be improvising characters and scenes before your eyes, based on your suggestions.
FREE ENTRY – fellow students, family and friends welcome!
The bar will be open from 7:30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Why not join us for a celebratory drink after the show?

Tribe: Bristol Pole Showcase
2024-04-13 19:30 - 22:30 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 13th April | 19:30 (doors open 18:30)
TRIBE emerged from a passion for pole, performing and the Bristol pole dancing community. Bristol and its surrounding areas has such an immense and wonderfully diverse pole scene that we couldn’t resist bringing all of this together in one amazing event for everyone to showcase their spins, shapes and spectacular sass.
The first of its kind in Bristol, TRIBE has welcomed all abilities, all levels, all styles and all performance experience. We truly have something for everyone: from Contemporary to Authentic Stripper Style. We want to celebrate our TRIBE and hope you will join us.
“Our pole dancing showcase is jam packed with tantalising tricks, fluid flow, and sexy shapes; all served up with a hefty pinch of elegance and attitude. If you want to see the sublime, then come and join our TRIBE.”
Strictly over 18s.

Performing Improv Level 1: Singing Songs
2024-04-15 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
15th April – 27th May | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Singing Songs is the course for anyone who’s ever fancied making up songs on the spot, and for those who don’t think they can sing but would love to have a go!
This seven-week course explores different song structures and games to help build your musicality, rhythm, and improv skills so you can perform group numbers and improvised singing games. All voices are welcomed, some improv skills are recommended (but not strictly required).
Who is this course for?

Students who have completed Discovering Improv & Intro to Performing Improv and want to take the next step
Performers who have some improv experience and want to develop their improvised singing skills
Anyone who has learned improv elsewhere and wants to start learning with the BIT school

This course consists of 7 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each, and will be taught by one of our experienced facilitators and an accompanying pianist. Places are capped at 12. Like all our Performing Improv courses, the 7th week includes a showcase performance to a supportive audience of friends, family, and fellow students.

Intro to Performing Improv
2024-04-15 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
15th April – 20th May | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Improvisation happens all over the place: at work, at home, when you’re messing around with your mates. Whenever you do something that you didn’t plan in advance, try something just to have a go, or join in with something that looks fun – you’re improvising!
But what about improvising in front of people on a stage? Improv as a performance can be a scary prospect, but it can also be tremendously fun and hugely rewarding!
Following on from our hugely popular Discovering Improv course, this six-week course will immerse you in the fundamentals of improvising for an audience through games, exercises, and scenes. Our experienced facilitators will guide and support you on your journey towards performing.
Is this course for me?
Intro to Performing is an introduction to improvisation as a performance artform, aimed at beginners. No experience is required. This is the course for you if;

You’ve completed our Discovering Improv course and want to take the next step
You’re new to improv and want to learn the fundamentals of improvisation for an audience
You learned improv elsewhere and want to start learning with the Bristol Improv Theatre School

Class Details
This is a 6-week course, capped at 16 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (18 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.

Discovering Improv - SOLD OUT
2024-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
16th April – 21st May| TUESDAYS | 19:00-21:30 – SOLD OUT
Please note: this course is now Sold Out. If you are interested in receiving an email when the next Discovering Improv course is released for sale, please do let us know by contacting hello@improvtheatre.net.
Improv isn’t just about being funny (although it’s often very funny). For you, improv could be about facing your fears, working with a team, trusting yourself, listening, or just letting yourself be silly and playful!
This six-week course is a voyage through spontaneity, creativity, and connection. Our experienced instructors will guide you through games, exercises, and reflections that will equip you with the tools to improvise, both on stage and off.
Is this course for me?
Discovering Improv is an introduction to improvisation aimed at absolute beginners – no experience required! The course consists of 6 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each.
This is the course for you if:

You want to be more spontaneous, confident, or creative.
You want to meet new people and have fun!
You’re looking to push outside of your comfort zone in a supportive environment.
You’ve heard about this improv thing and you want to find out what it’s all about.
You’ve been improvising for a while and want to return to the fundamentals.

If you’re curious about improvisation, but you don’t want to commit to a full 6 week course, why not try one of our Improv Taster Sessions?

CLASS DETAILS
This is a 6-week course, capped at 16 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (18 in total).
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at theatreschool@improvtheatre.net.

Performing Improv Level 2: Developing Characters
2024-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 UTC | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
16th April – 28th May | Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
You play as different characters all the time in improvisation – even if it’s just a version of yourself – but the most satisfying improvisation happens when those characters feel alive, with their own thoughts, feelings, and desires.
This course explores how to get the most out of your improvised characters and will cover character relationships and attitudes, expanding your range of characters, building a well-rounded cast within scenes, and how to build a satisfying character arc.
This course is part of our Level 2 Performing Improv programme. Completion of Level 1 courses (or equivalent beginner-to-intermediate training) is recommended, but not required.
This course consists of 7 sessions that last for 2.5 hours each, and will be taught by two of our experienced facilitators. Places are capped at 12. Like all our Performing Improv courses, the 7th week includes a showcase performance to a supportive audience of friends, family, and fellow students
If you have any accommodations or access needs, questions, feedback or concerns about the classes, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via theatreschool@improvtheatre.net
