Performing L2: Approaches to Scenework Student Showcase
2024-02-20 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 20th February| 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 scenes before your eyes, with a variety of approaches and 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 Level 1: Telling Stories Student Showcase
2024-02-19 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 19th February| 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 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?

Revs and Friends... a Valentine's Show
2024-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Sunday 18th February | 19:00
Cupid has struck the silly Bristol Revunions, hitting them where it hurts…. no not their funny bone! Bringing them some special guests to share some sketches with you on this special Valentines weekend. What more could an audience want?
The Bristol Revunions are the Bristol University sketch comedy society who have been around since the 1950’s. They’ve performed with the Cambridge Footlights, Leeds Tealights, Durham Revue and many more. Not so fresh off a 10 show stint at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where they “nearly made a profit”, you don’t want to miss them now! Not to mention five star reviews and a feature in a blooming BBC article, their silly antics will have you giggling!
Some of the best student comedians in Bristol at the moment will be performing with other renowned comedy groups, need we say any more…. Catch them before they’re famous!
Joined by Leeds Tealights and Cambridge Footlights

MATES: The Improvised 90s Sitcom
2024-02-17 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
Saturday 17th February | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
It’s New York City. It’s the ‘90s. And this is a brand-new sitcom – completely improvised from your suggestions! Inspired by classic TV such as Seinfeld, Frasier and Friends, could this show BE any funnier? From some of the comedians behind the award-winning Lying Together and CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation. Best Improv Show Edinburgh Fringe 2022 – Theatre Weekly.
**** “Uproarious improvised comedy. The three actors have a masterful handle of comedy. The sheer joy that the performers channel into the show is wonderful to behold.” A Younger Theatre

**** “Extremely quick and funny. The chemistry between Hugh, Alex and Rachel is so good you will wish that this was a real sitcom.” Theatre Weekly

**** “A tight structure, cracking pace and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Hugely enjoyable.” The Phoenix Remix.

**** “These three talented performers had the audience laughing from the get-go with their charisma and overall likability.” North West End

With support from Last Day on Earth
The first graduate house team of legendary improv night Parent’s Basement take a location from the audience and proceed to take us on a journey through improvised sketch and character comedy.
Featuring performers from: This Is Your Musical, Up The Antics & After Dusk: The Improvised Twilight Zone, Last Day on Earth have travelled all over the country with their chaotic, hilarious comedic style and consistently deliver premium laughter.

The Mastery of Self Expression
2024-02-16 17:30 - 2024-02-18 19:30 (Europe/London) | Factory 8, Southville, Bristol, The Bonus Room, Factory 8, Upton Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1QZ
Friday 16th – Sunday 18th February
Please note: This event is scheduled to take place at Factory 8, Southville, Bristol. For all queries, please contact jancastleuk@hotmail.com.
Equal parts performance masterclass and personal development course, The Mastery of Self Expression is an intensive weekend workshop that will help you discover how to come deeply into relationship with yourself and your ‘audience’ – whether that’s formally on stage or informally in your everyday interactions.
A thrilling and stretching experience, The Mastery is not about technique but about a quality of presence – the ability to risk being authentically who you are in the presence of others. It offers you an experience of your own capacity for creative and spontaneous self-expression, connecting you to your passions and enabling you to discover who you really are behind the ‘masks’ we all wear.
Created by Dan Fauci in 1977, The Mastery was originally based on training actors but quickly passed into the public arena, running continuously around the world since then; thousands of people from all walks of life have benefited from it.
What Mastery workshop participants said:
“The weekend I did my Mastery I can safely say was the most playful, exhilarating, exciting, challenging weekend in my entire adult life.”
‘Would highly recommend to all actors/improvisers and anyone who wants to get more and more comfortable with being their true selves on stage.’
Requirements for people attending the workshop
Please note that although some of the areas covered in this workshop may feel therapeutic, it is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for proper medical or psychological treatment. It is not suitable for those currently too emotionally sensitive or too physically disabled to take responsibility for themselves. Everyone attending the workshop will be required to sign an ethics form to ensure safety and confidentiality, and create an environment in which it is safe for people to move out of their comfort zone.
Prior to the weekend, you will need to learn by heart, a two minute piece (poem, song, dance, monologue, story, piece of music, mime etc) that you will use as a vehicle for your creative expression (not an improvisation). Guidelines on this performance piece and full joining details for the workshop will be sent to you one month before the workshop.
ACCESS TO VENUE: there is one step off the street, otherwise everything is flat and accessible.
Weekend timings:
Friday: 17:30 (doors 17:00) – late ie possibly after 23:00
Saturday: 9:30 (doors 9:00) – late ie possibly after 22:00
Sunday: 9:30 (doors 9:00) – latest 19:30

About the Instructors
Sam Chittenden
Sam is a writer/director and runs a small theatre company (Different Theatre) alongside her consultancy Different Development. Her experience includes many years as a Board Director in the NHS, a coach, a poet (Beth Somerford) and author of Rhyme & Reason – The Poetry of Leadership.
Sam hosts a variety of personal development workshops and creative retreats. She is fascinated by stories and the characters that inhabit them.
“The Mastery of Self Expression is a weekend of exploration for everyone involved. I am always bowled over by the creativity and passion shown by participants, and by the changes they choose to make in their worlds.”

Jan Castle
Jan is a highly experienced coach and facilitator, the creator/co-creator of numerous self-development and creativity workshops including Live your Dream, The Write Space, Voicing your Purpose and The Space (follow-up to The Mastery).
She first became interested in our ability to create and ‘be’ without limitation when exploring the Art of The Fool with Frankie Anderson and Eastern spiritual traditions.
“I am fascinated by the ‘edge’ I experience in myself and others, the scary and thrilling frontier between the version of myself I think is acceptable to others, and showing up fully in all my wonderful, messy, creative humanity.”

Games Night
2024-02-14 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!

David Puck Drag's Big Book of Improvised Interactive Musical Stories
2024-02-09 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 9th February | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
The bedtime storybook has come to life and is ready to read you all – through song. But this isn’t a pre-published book, no! Just like the spoiled children we are, we’re getting a brand new story, where you choose the place, characters, even their decisions. Follow-the-fun interactive silliness.
Think Bandesnatch meets Ru Paul’s Drag Race meets Mother Goose.
David Puck is an improviser, drag performer and painter. They’ve worked with orgs like HBO, Savage x Fenty, BBC Three, The Eurovision Song Contest and many queens from Ru Paul’s Drag Race.
Instagram @davidpuckdrag
Accompanied by dapper pianist and improviser Jack Greenwood.
Instagram @jackthegreen
With support from The Bish Bosh Bash!
Join the Bristol Improv favourites, The Bish Bosh Bash, for a hilarious show full of silliness, games and all round good-times!
They’re battling it out for you, playing for your votes and adoration. You decide who makes it to the end, and ultimately which team goes home with the glory!

* This event was previously scheduled to be ‘Do The Right Scene’. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ve had to postpone this show to Saturday 4th May. View the new event page here >

The Improv Gym
2024-02-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2024-01-24 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.

The Antics Joke Show ft. The Joke Clinic
2024-01-27 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
Saturday 27th January | 20:00 (19:30 doors)
Up The Antics present their hit monthly night of comedy variety. Including sketches, stand-up, and improv, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This month’s special guests are THE JOKE CLINIC
THE JOKE CLINIC
Comedians up and down the country and to the coastal regions at the sides have been desperately crying out for a saviour. “Help!” They’ve been saying. “Help! My jokes require the tender loving care of two critically acclaimed and established comedians who know exactly what audiences crave.”
And their prayers have been answered in full. The Joke Clinic is here, comprised of Charlie Bowers & Walter Jack, comedy aficionados with a penchant for razor-sharp wit and a snappy punchline.
IMPROV from UP THE ANTICS
Bristol-based Up The Antics (as heard on BBC Radio 4) 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.
‘Brilliantly witty’ ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
‘Up The Antics are guaranteed to deliver a laugh every minute’ ★★★★ EdFringeReview
STAND-UP FROM AMY JANE BLACK
Amy Jane Black has had quite enough of societies nonsense and has gone on strike from her job: a single-parent. Warning: she is extremely manipulative and will convince you to join her on the picket line. BBC radio bristol: “an absolute delight” Greta thunberg: “a role-model” Ex-boyfriend: “avoid”
MC – MILLIE MALONE
The ‘people’s princess of Bristol comedy’, Millie Malone is a rising star on the scene. Bringing a unique voice that is as morally dubious as it is flirty and charming, watching her is like being chatted up and held at knifepoint all at once. Her surreal and punchline heavy sets have taken her to the Edinburgh Fringe, BBC radio and some of the most renowned clubs in the UK.

Sci-fi Double Feature: Spon Trek: The Next Improvisation and Waiting for Robo(T)
2024-01-26 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 26th January | 20:00

It’s a Science Fiction Double Feature. Two improv shows, one Sci-Fi theme. Join us for two brand new stories inspired by your favourite shows and science fiction concepts.

Spon Trek: The Next Improvisation
Space: the final frontier. These are the unscripted voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds. To seek out new jokes and new civilizations. To boldly go where no one has gone before!
As if there wasn’t quite enough Star Trek right now, join us for a “wonderfully geeky,” (Edfringe Review) brand new episode of the cult sci-fi classic. Inspired by your audience suggestions, this comedic parody is suitable for all levels of nerdiness and Star Trek knowledge, including none!

Real Positive Poles are a Bristol based sci-fi improv troupe. Their previous shows have included The Y Files an improvised X Files and After Dusk an improvised Twilight Zone which won best improv show at the Brighton Fringe 2022 and was top 3 shortlisted for best show in all categories.
“A beautiful demonstration of everything that improvised performance can be” ★★★★★ – The Reviews Hub
“Quirky, offbeat and hilarious” – Swindon Fringe Review
“Absolutely perfect improv” – Starburst Magazine
Waiting for Robo(t)
In the fast-paced modern world of automation and AI assistants, it’s an increasingly common worry that a robot might one day replace you and make you obsolete.
But what if it’s already happening? What if your colleagues, friends, family – even yourself – have already been replaced by synthetic imitators?
Well, worry no more! GC Industries is proud to present this live demonstration of their groundbreaking Voight-Kampff test. Sit back and watch as our trained interrogator puts an unsuspecting suspect under the spotlight and finds out whether they’re as human as they claim to be.
From the joyful idiots that brought you Steves and Wooster and Holy Unauthorised Improv Parody, Batman! comes a new show inspired by that one bit from the beginning of Blade Runner.

BBFC Presents: PLANKTON (AKA CREATURES OF THE ABYSS) (1994)
2024-01-25 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
Thursday 25th January | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
“I have the feeling that the secret of this ship is somehow tied to these strange fish.”
Just when you thought 2024 was safe from bad movies, we’re back with an Italian production that takes us back to the era of big hair, not-so-special effects and mutant sea creatures!
Director Alvaro Passeri had previously used his animation skills on the likes of Cinema Paradiso and The Wild Beasts, but is able to wringe every penny out of this low budget horror that sees a group of horny teens faced the results of science run amok!
Reminiscent of Troll 2 with its insane dialogue and wonderfully insane visual effects, Plankton is the perfect way to get the year off to a flying (fish) start!
Five teenagers embark on a boating trip off the coast of Florida. The teens get hopelessly lost at sea after they get caught in a fierce storm. Fortunately, the quintet stumble across an abandoned yacht in the middle of the ocean with a mysterious biology lab on board it. Unfortunately, there are also ferocious mutated prehistoric fish running amok on the yacht. Will any of the teens survive this harrowing ordeal?

“Some days you just wanna sit back with a pumpkin spice latte and watch monstrous marine life eat some Italian people.” – MST3K Project
“I have now seen this film THREE times, and I’m still not sure what to make of it.” – HorrorNews.net

This film and event is certified ’18’.
All tickets: £5

BIG QUIZ OF UTTER NONSENSE
2024-01-18 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 >

Intro to improvised hip hop with Track 96
2024-01-13 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
13th January 2024 | 10:00- 13:00
Join us for a morning of rhyming and fun. This workshop is designed to get the newest of performers comfortable with freestyle rapping.
You’ll learn how to work with the beat, find your flow, and construct versus that can heighten any improvised scene.
Aside from learning some Hip Hop fundamentals, you’ll also learn how to initiate a rap from within an improvised scene. Use the characters and scenes you create and weave them into a rap that you, and your fellow players, create on the spot!
Whether you’ve done some Hip Hop before, or if this is your first time, we’d love to have you along!

Stefan Mohamed presents ‘Farewell Tour’
2024-01-13 07:30 - 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
Saturday 13th January | 19:30 (doors 19:00)
Your island is sinking. Your soggy kingdom. Your deflated swamp. Your sulky empire where it’s always Tuesday morning. But there’s still time before it all collapses – so why not take a tour?
Board the End-of-the-Road Trips coach and join your tour guide for a surreal journey around a
haunted, haunting, cursed and cursing land. Swoon at the curated majesty of the country’s first
official ‘influencer county’! Howl with laughter at Normal Island, the nation’s favourite fake sitcom!
Raise an eyebrow at the house that cannot physically be lived in! Wince as your reality becomes
increasingly bizarre and grotesque – and ask yourself, exactly how trustworthy is this tour guide?
A topical roller-coaster of pitch black comedy and riotous wordplay, Farewell Tour is the debut full-
length theatrical show from poet and novelist Stefan Mohamed, based on his acclaimed Verve Poetry
Press collection. Featuring original music by Oscar Lyons and animation by Henry Edmonds.
‘Insightful, incisive … funnier than a show has the right to be’ – Bristol 24/7
‘Bleak, funny and furious’ – Malaika Kegode
‘Deliciously apocalyptic’ – Molly Naylor
With support from comedian Amy Mason
15+, contains some strong language

Track 96
2024-01-12 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 12th January | 20:00 (doors 19:30)

Track 96 is London’s premiere Hip Hop improv group. Based on your suggestions, we create a world of rhyme and rhythm. Our live show is a high-octane mix of free styling, short games, and scenes that break into hip-hop musical numbers, all accompanied by a live beatboxer.
With support from The Groundhogs
Making waves on the Bristol comedy circuit, these mischief-makers are off to the Big City 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)

Performing Improv L2: Approaches to Scenework
2024-01-09 19:00 - 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
9th January – 20th February | Tuesdays | 19:00 – 21:30
Scenes are the building blocks of improvised theatre, but there are as many different ways to play a scene as there are improvisers. From emotionally-focused play, to creating logical chains of cause and effect, deftly weaving themes and concepts together, or just finding something funny to do again (but bigger), how you approach a scene helps to define how it plays out. This 7-week course delves into improvisation techniques and theory from a range of perspectives to help you stretch your scenic muscles and develop your own approach to scenework.
A great course for those looking to develop their scenework skills and explore their personal voice as an improviser.
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.

CLASS DETAILS
This is a 7-week course capped at 12 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (14 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 L1: Telling Stories
2024-01-08 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
8th January – 19th February | Mondays | 19:00 – 21:30
Performing Improv L1 is a programme of four seven-week classes, which rotate throughout the year: Creating Characters, Telling Stories, Making a Scene and Singing Songs.
Each course approaches performing improvisation through a different lens and teaches you a new set of skills. They can be taken in any order, or completed individually. All the courses end with a showcase for invited family and friends to share what you’ve learned.
In ‘Telling Stories’, we use Keith Johnstone-inspired techniques to practice crafting and shaping our ability to tell satisfying stories on the spot. Students will have the chance to build their communication skills & confidence when telling stories and train narrative instincts to help grab and sustain audience interest. An excellent course for writers, performers or anyone who wants to bring storytelling into their life and work.

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 scene work skills
Anyone who has learned improv elsewhere and wants to start learning with the Bristol Improv Theatre school

Class Details
This is a 7-week course, capped at 12 participants, plus up to 2 instructors (14 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 via hello@improvtheatre.net.
Instructor TBC.

Last Groundhog Day on Earth
2024-01-06 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
Saturday 6th January | 20:00
Two longform teams collide to create an improvised comedy show that would be a worthwhile evening for your last day on earth, even if you had to re-live it every night!
LAST DAY ON EARTH
The first graduate house team of legendary improv night Parent’s Basement take a location from the audience and proceed to take us on a journey through improvised sketch and character comedy.
Featuring performers from: This Is Your Musical, Up The Antics & After Dusk: The Improvised Twilight Zone, Last Day on Earth have travelled all over the country with their chaotic, hilarious comedic style and consistently deliver premium laughter.
THE GROUNDHOGS
The Groundhogs – Performers from Bristol’s Longform improv community join forces to perform The Detour format; an exploration of the possible ways that a single scene could have gone…but didn’t.

Up The Antics New Year’s Eve Party
2023-12-31 19:00 - 2024-01-01 00:00 (Europe/London) | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Sunday 31st December | 19:00 – Late
Back from the success of their sold out New Year’s Eve party in 2022, Up The Antics have put together a stellar line-up to bring in 2024 at the Bristol Improv Theatre. This year’s line-up will include solo improv, fringe favourites and award-winning sketch legends, plus music in the bar to see us into the new year.
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 formerly based in Leicester. She performs regularly with Midlands groups Tiny Stories and Rhymes Against Humanity.
Degrees of Error present: Resolutions from Last Year

New Year’s Resolutions can be funny things – they start with the best of intentions but they never quite turn out how you expected! From the deranged minds that brought you the hit improvised whodunnit Murder, She Didn’t Write comes a show inspired by the audience’s resolutions and exploring the space where noble aims for the year ahead collide with hilarious unintended consequences.

SKETCH from UP THE ANTICS
Up The Antics (as heard on BBC Radio 4 Extra) bring a showcase of some of their best sketches. After 10+ years of performing together, 4 Edinburgh Fringe shows releasing an award-winning sketch comedy pilot, and establishing a hit monthly night of comedy variety, there’s some gems to choose from!
Leicester Square Sketch-Off Semi-Finalists
“Brilliantly Witty” ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
“Up The Antics are guaranteed to deliver a laugh every minute” ★★★★ EdFringeReview
After the shows, we will have MUSIC in the bar to keep us dancing until 2024!
Event Timings:
7pm: Fizz Reception
8pm – 10.30pm: Performances
10.30pm – Late: Dancing in the bar to see in the New Year!
Ticket includes a glass of prosecco on arrival.

Interactive Storytelling For Families
2023-12-21 11:00 - 11:45, 2023-12-21 10:00 - 10:45, 2023-12-18 11:00 - 11:45, 2023-12-18 10:00 - 10:45 (Europe/London) | Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, BRISTOL, Bristol, BS3 4EA, United Kingdom
Monday 18th December | 10:00 – 10:45 & 11:00 – 11:45
Thursday 21st December | 10:00 – 10:45 & 11:00 – 11:45
PLEASE NOTE: This event is taking place at Windmill Hill City Farm
Windmill Hill City Farm, Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA

Join us at the Windmill Hill City Farm to explore engagin, winter storytelling through fun and play! Children and their Grown Ups can join in to take part in this workshop using the principles of play and improvisation, leading to a festive story adventure that the group creates together.
There’ll be plenty of action and activity using your body to act out the story. You can join in at your own level with the support of friendly and engaging teachers from the Bristol Improv Theatre.
You’ll learn to play and create theatrical stories with experienced instructors. Kids and adults alike will find new skills and have the chance to make new friends. If the weather is bright the workshop will take place in the farm’s beautiful outdoor theatre space (bring a coat!), and if it is very cold or rainy it will move indoors and become a little more cosy – but still with plenty of space to move around.
Grown ups are actively encouraged to participate – why should the kids have all the fun!
Please note: children MUST be accompanied by an adult to attend this workshop – it is not a drop-off play activity. Our suggested age range is 3 – 9*
*Children younger than 3 are welcome if an older sibling is attending, as long as they are supervised. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Unscripted Players Big Christmas Special
2023-12-18 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
Monday 18th December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
This Christmas celebrate with our amateur improv company, the Unscripted players. Featuring two previous Unscripted Players shows with a Christmas twist and an improv jam to finish.
Roll for Romance
Two things that go as well together as cheese and wine – nerdy roleplaying games and romance. It’s a narrative romcom mashed together with a dice based roleplaying game. Dungeons and dating (but not in that way).
Tales From The Wasteland
An improvised post-apocalyptic adventure. If the world was ending, what would be the one thing you’d want to survive? Based on your suggestions, our team of dystopian adventurers will explore a new world of endless possibilities… well, depending on what’s left over from earth’s devastation.

An update on our ticket prices
We understand that right now, times are tough for a lot of people. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to attend our shows is able to do so as easily as possible and is welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we’ve introduced a new open concession ticket price capped at £10 for all of our Christmas shows and beyond. If you’d like to come to a show but the standard ticket price is a bit of a stretch, please feel free to book a concession ticket, no questions asked. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bristol Improv Theatre!

Dragprov Revue Christmas Special
2023-12-17 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
Sunday 17th December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Join us for a very special festive edition of Dragprov Revue.
‘Christian Adore’ and ‘Eaton Messe’ are a drag double act performed by Francesca Forristal and Ed Scrivens. Using your suggestions, this lovable soft-boy and sassy queen will create dazzling songs, sketches, and raps. It’s RuPaul’s glamour meets “Whose Line Is It Anyway” style improv comedy. With smash hit shows from the Edinburgh fringe now join the dazzling double act as they come to Bristol! 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, we present The Dragprov Revue.
‘Uses humour as a feminist weapon […] Good, clean fun!’ The Sunday Times
‘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

AN UPDATE ON OUR TICKET PRICES
We understand that right now, times are tough for a lot of people. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to attend our shows is able to do so as easily as possible and is welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we’ve introduced a new open concession ticket price capped at £10 for all of our Christmas shows and beyond. If you’d like to come to a show but the standard ticket price is a bit of a stretch, please feel free to book a concession ticket, no questions asked. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bristol Improv Theatre!

The Improvised Stand-Up Comedy Show (Christmas Special)
2023-12-16 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
Saturday 16th December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
5 Comedians. No prep. No rehearsal. No clue.
Top-tier local comedians take to the stage to perform stand-up, based on audience festive suggestions. Featuring improvised stand-up routines, whip smart one-liners, audience suggested sets, and much more!
ALEXIS COWARD:
Alexis’s comedy is based on her awkward stumbles through adult life. Alexis has performed across the UK, Australia and once in a pub in Canada. Alexis’s disarming story telling style is “adequate”according to her family. And “quite funny…not Gervais” man in a blue polo shirt, Reading UK.
JOE TAYLOR-MILLS:
High energy flights of fancy, quick wit and a desperate, desperate need for love. Like a firework going off in a depression factory, Joe shares his weird and slightly broken mind as loudly and quickly as he can. Then keeps sharing, and then honestly probably over shares a bit.
HOLLY LEGGETT:
Originally from Brighton, Holly is a 25 and barely alive comedian. Holly regularly performs in Bath and Bristol but has recently been branching out to London and the Midlands, as well as running her own monthly new material night at The Bath Brew House. Hollys humour has been described as dry, dark and filthy with her favourite review as follows; ‘jokes were funny but she made me sad’.
TOM HUTCHINSON:
Red-haired rising star of the South West, Tom Hutchinson brims with high energy absurdism and sparky tangents, bringing everything wild improvisations and witty asides to introspective anecdotes and relatable ramblings. Bath New Act 2022 Finalist.
JAMES CRAWLEY:
James Crawley is a storytelling stand-up and MC known for his mix of contemplative wit, unabashed silliness, and interactive performances. First making his face known in the South West comedy scene in 2017, James then spent 2 years in Liverpool. He’s now back as an established part of the Cheltenham Comedy scene and is recognised on comedy line-ups in Bath, Bristol, Birmingham and beyond.

An update on our ticket prices
We understand that right now, times are tough for a lot of people. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to attend our shows is able to do so as easily as possible and is welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we’ve introduced a new open concession ticket price capped at £10 for all of our Christmas shows and beyond. If you’d like to come to a show but the standard ticket price is a bit of a stretch, please feel free to book a concession ticket, no questions asked. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bristol Improv Theatre!

Tales of Adventure Christmas Edition
2023-12-14 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
Thursday 14th December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Join our brave band of heroes for this very special Christmas edition of Tales of Adventure – an epic fantasy quest, improvised LIVE before your very eyes!
Led by the all-powerful Gamemaster – our heroes will search for treasure, battle deadly foes, and contend with dangerous twists of fate as they struggle against evil to save the world!
Our heroes will enter a magical fantasy world (think Lord of the Rings, with a few twists), inspired by a certain popular roleplaying game (which we can’t mention by name for copyright reasons).
With our hilarious cast of comedians and improvisers (as seen in Murder, She Didn’t Write and The Unscripted Players) there are endless possibilities and amazing surprises ready to be discovered in Tales of Adventure!
Tales of Adventure is a D&D inspired, improvised panel show where each show is part of an ongoing series. Our cast will guide you through the story and fill you in on any previous important events so don’t be afraid to dive straight into the epic campaign!

An update on our ticket prices
We understand that right now, times are tough for a lot of people. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to attend our shows is able to do so as easily as possible and is welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we’ve introduced a new open concession ticket price capped at £10 for all of our Christmas shows and beyond. If you’d like to come to a show but the standard ticket price is a bit of a stretch, please feel free to book a concession ticket, no questions asked. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bristol Improv Theatre!

This Is Your Musical: Christmas Special
2023-12-09 20:00 - 22:00, 2023-12-08 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 December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Saturday 9th December | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
In This Is Your Musical’s Christmas Special, The Bristol Improv Theatre’s flagship musical theatre company will create a brand new, fully realised, festive musical theatre show.
Take your seats as this team of talented actors and musicians present a magnificent evening of theatre, musical numbers and show-tunes, made-up on the spot and inspired by your stories.
This night of musical fun is not to be missed!
AN UPDATE ON OUR TICKET PRICES
We understand that right now, times are tough for a lot of people. It’s important to us that everyone who wants to attend our shows is able to do so as easily as possible and is welcomed with open arms. Therefore, we’ve introduced a new open concession ticket price capped at £10 for all of our Christmas shows and beyond. If you’d like to come to a show but the standard ticket price is a bit of a stretch, please feel free to book a concession ticket, no questions asked. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Bristol Improv Theatre!
