Improv Shows & Courses, Bristol | The Bristol Improv Theatre

BBFC Presents: SPLIT SECOND (1992)
2023-06-22 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
Thursday 22nd June | 20:00
Rutger Hauer is a legend.
Whether he’s starring in iconic genre films like Blade Runner or The Hitcher or starring in Guinness adverts, he elevates everything he’s in.
As such, he appeared in his fare share of rubbish films, but we’re here to tell you that Split Second isn’t one of them!
After all, how often do you get a film where an alien beast is killing people on the streets of a future-set London while Rutger Hauer charges around in a leather jacket, shades and guns so big, there’s no way they’re legal in this country.
On top of that, he’s surrounded by some of the finest British character actors (Alun Armstrong, Pete Postlewaite, Jason Watkins) adding a level of class to the whole proceedings.
Throw in Kim Cattrall and you’ve got a B-movie for the ages!
In a flooded future London, Detective Harley Stone hunts a serial killer who murdered his partner, and has haunted him ever since. He soon discovers what he is hunting might not be human.
WATCH THE TRAILER >
This film and event is certified ‘18′.
In order to make the event as accessible to as many people as possible, the main feature will be subtitled.
All tickets : £5 (All profits will go to Bristol Soup Run Trust)
“As a throwaway 80’s B-movie you could do much worse. Hauer, as is his way, plays the rough and silent type… and there is enough gore, monsters and violence to satisfy.” – EmpireOnline
“Split Second isn’t a great movie, but there’s a great movie within Split Second.” – Outburn
“Split Second offers up a ton of horror and police clichés placed into a highly original and well done future world, all aided by some solid performances. Get set to get wet and take some time out to watch Split Second.” – LoveHorror UK

Improv Drop-ins
2023-06-19 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-06-12 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-06-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-05-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-05-22 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-05-15 19:30 - 21:30, 2023-05-08 19:30 - 21:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Mondays | 19:30 – 21:30
Looking to stretch your improvising muscles? Then our drop-ins are for you!
Our drop-ins run every Monday evening and alternate between scene workshops and classes focused on specific skills to help you pad out your improvisers tool-kit.
During our scene workshops, you’ll receive supportive and constructive side-coaching, tailored to the group and designed to develop your confidence and improvisation skills. On the other hand, the regular drop-ins will take a specific skill and explore it through games, exercises and scenes.
Facilitated by an experienced Bristol Improv Theatre instructor, drop-ins are a great chance to try improv at Bristol Improv Theatre and connect with others.
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at hello@improvtheatre.net.
If you are brand new to improv, you may prefer to try the monthly Improv Taster Session.
Update on Pricing
From 8th May 2023, we’re reducing the price of our drop-ins in order to make them more accessible during the cost of living crisis. We don’t want money to be a barrier to access so no-one will be turned away due to lack of funds. If you cannot attend an event due to financial barriers, please feel free to turn up to attend the session or you can reserve a space by emailing us at hello@improvtheatre.net. Please note, drop-in spaces are limited so we’d recommend reserving a space in advance.
(Please note that the new pricing cannot be applied retrospectively to tickets already purchased).

Do Not Adjust Your Stage
2023-06-17 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 17th June | 20:00 (doors open 19:30)
In The Wunderkammer, all new TED-style talks from expert guest speakers inspire totally improvised comedy from one of the UK’s leading groups, Do Not Adjust Your Stage (DNAYS).
Neither the audience nor performers have seen the talks before, making for a unique evening of discovery and laughter through entirely spontaneous scenes, sketches and characters.
Since 2014, DNAYS have performed The Wunderkammer at sell-out shows in the UK, Europe and the US, including New York’s iconic UCB Theatre and in residencies at London’s Natural History Museum and National Gallery.
Previous guest speakers include a professional extreme snowboarder, a Greenpeace activist, the scientist who cloned Dolly the sheep, a Game of Thrones super fan and a piracy expert.
★★★★★ “Fearless comedy to great effect” (Everything Theatre)
★★★★★ “A superb masterclass in the art of improv comedy” (LondonTheatre1)
★★★★ “Impressive” (Three Weeks)
★★★★ “The thinking person’s improv night” (Remote Goat)
With Support from Jazz Police
American-style longform improv comedy troupe from Bristol. Having performed at the Edinburgh International Improv Festival and the Birmingham Comedy Festival, explore the world of improv through a hilarious compilation of scenes and bits as these masters of wit take one word and turn it into a show.

The Bristol Comedy History Walk
2023-06-17, 2023-06-10, 2023-06-03, 2023-06-01, 2023-05-27, 2023-05-20, 2023-05-13 | The Nails, 55 Corn Street, Bristol, BS1 1JG
Click here for large print and audio files of the walk information and booking information >
Discover some of Bristol’s most humorous and surprising secrets on The Bristol Comedy History Walk! A hilarious guided tour of the South West’s coolest city, led by improvisers and comedians.
Your quirky and comedic hosts will regale lesser-known Bristolian stories, using amusing anecdotes to reveal another side of the city you thought you knew. Along the way, you’ll uncover Bristol’s traditional and newer histories and discover that every city has both a slobby, and salubrious side to it. Prepare to be shocked, amazed and delighted by the things you’ll find out.
Expect some hilarious alternative perspectives and some sneaky Bristolian in-jokes delivered by top-notch improv artists and comedians. Their cheeky characters will help you learn something new on this terrific trail!
The Bristol Comedy History walk is written and produced by Angie Belcher in partnership with Bristol Improv Theatre and funded by Bristol City Council. Together they are using their love of delighting and inspiring audiences through improvised, participative theatre and comedy to take a quirky look at the hidden histories of Bristol.

Please click through the calendar to view all upcoming dates

If you would like to attend a walk but it is sold out, please add your email address to the waiting list and we will be in touch if any tickets become available. If you are attending as an individual or small group of 2-3 people you are also very welcome to meet us at the starting point for the walk on the day in case any last minute spaces become available, but we cannot guarantee this. Larger groups will need to book in advance.
Further Details
Tour Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Starting place: The Nails, Bristol
Tour ends: The New Rooms Cafe (fully accessible)
Standard Ticket: £15 FREE
Angel Ticket: £5
BSL Interpreted Shows: 1st July, 22nd July
A sighted guide is available for 2pm shows on 1st June, 6th July and 20th July, and both shows on 19th August. If you require one, please contact Angie directly via email at angiebelcher@yahoo.co.uk or on 07733298378.
Thanks to our funding (scroll down for details) we are offering tickets for free!
Please only book if you are committed to attending. If your circumstances change and you are unable to attend after booking a ticket, please let us know by emailing hello@improvtheatre.co.uk so we can open up the space. Places are limited on the tour and we want to ensure our fantastic performers have an audience.
You can also buy an Angel ticket. Any income from these tickets will go towards our community workshops relating to this project or be donated to St Mungo’s Homeless Charity.
Please note the walk is designed for adults only. (Older teenagers are welcome at their parent’s discretion and must be accompanied by an adult)
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and is considered “mostly flat”. We’d recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and avoid high heels as Bristol’s streets can be a bit cobbly.
The tour goes ahead through most weather, we draw the line at severe wet weather, snow, wind and ice.
Please leave your dog/pet at home for this tour. Guide and support dogs are very welcome.

The Bristol Comedy History Walk is being delivered as one of the activities under the City Centre and High Streets Recovery and Renewal programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority’s Love our High Streets project.

This Is Your Musical
2023-06-16 20:00 - 22:00, 2023-05-19 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 16th June | 20:00
Friday 21st July | 20:00
Friday 18th August | 20:00
Friday 15th September | 20:00
(Doors open 19:30)
Prepare to be amazed as you witness the creation of a brand new musical theatre show, courtesy of The Bristol Improv Theatre’s flagship musical theatre company, This Is Your Musical!
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!

Feminist Paintalong
2023-06-10 14:30 - 16:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 1st July | 14:30 – 16:30 (CANCELLED)
Saturday 5th August | 14:30 – 16:30
Saturday 2nd September | 14:30 – 16:30
Come join us at the Bristol Improv Theatre for a Saturday afternoon of feminist arty funtimes! Grab a drink from the bar, take a seat at an easel and follow the step-by-step guidance of local artist GeetLush as she demonstrates how to create your very own 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!
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.
Please note: participants must be 18+

Dragos
2023-05-31 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Wednesday 31st May | 20:30 (doors open 20:00)
This event is an external hire. For all queries not related to the venue, please contact the email found on the ticket page (linked below).
After the success of his first stand-up show, Hungry Hungry Dragon, which was toured in over 70 European Cities and received over 500+ reviews and earned Dragos the role of opener for the Grammy Nominated Comedian Jim Gaffigan on his European Tour, Dragos is now back with a brand new show.
Dragos is now back working on a brand new show. During the lockdown Dragos has spent his time writing for Comedy Central and building up international audience on TikTok of over 635 000 followers around the world.

With new perspective on the world – the new show promises to be DARK, Inquisitive and Hilarious.

Join us to see the new hour coming together!

* Show Doors at 8:00 pm
* Show Starts at 8:30 pm

* Q: Who is Dragos?
* A: A citizen of the world that appeals to an international minded crowd, Dragos is a Romanian standup comedian who started his comedy journey in the wonderful country of Singapore, one of the most vibrant standup scenes in Asia! * Based out of Berlin – Dragos is one the first Comedians in Europe to write and perform material exclusively for Europe in English
* Q: What kind of comedy is it?
* A: The comedy has been described as Cute but Dark and focused on culture, emotional trouble, and emotional limitations.
* Q: What language is this show in?
* A: The show is fully in English
* Q: Is someone going on me if I sit in front?
* A: No, the show is very friendly
* Q: Is it vulgar comedy?
* A: Dragos’s comedy is more cultural in nature and focuses on differences between European cultures, it is not vulgar.
* Q: Where has Dragos performed?
* A: Over 30 countries around the world and more than 70 cities in Europe.
* Q: What can I expect to learn at this show?
* A: The new show is a dive into cultural differences, East European Legacy and Struggle as well as just plain funny dark jokes and fun audience interactions.
* Q: Can I check out some his comedy first?
* A: Yes search @dragoscomedy on all platform and you will be able to find daily clip

BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE >

Performing Level 1: Making a Scene Student Showcase
2023-05-30 20:00 - 21:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
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?

Performing Level 1: Singing Songs Student Showcase
2023-05-29 20:00 - 21:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
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 ssongs and music 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?

The Antics Joke Show Ft Next Level Sketch Comedy
2023-05-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 27th May | 20:00
THE ANTICS JOKE SHOW
Up The Antics present their hit format of comedy variety, featuring the best stand-up, improv & sketch comedy. This month, they will be joined the incredible Next Level Sketch Comedy
IMPROV FROM UP THE ANTICS

Bristol-based Up The Antics 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
Featured on BBC Radio 4
‘A Real Romp’ ★★★★★ Inter:Mission
‘Brilliantly Witty’ – ★★★★ EdFringeReview

SKETCH FROM NEXT LEVEL SKETCH COMEDY

Next Level Sketch are a London based sketch collective with an unhealthy obsession with horses and giant birds made out of paper mache. They run monthly shows at Hoopla in south London with awesome guests like Tarot, The Awkward Silence and Shelf. This is their first time venturing out of the capital, and will be presenting a greatest hits set of weird, surreal and funny sketches.
STAND-UP FROM RAHUL SOMIA
Rahul is known for his anecdotal storytelling personalised through the unique lens of a young British Asian working as a secondary school science teacher. He was recently nominated for the Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year 2023.

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.

CANCELLED Shit Art Club: Returning Artistes
2023-05-27 15:00 - 16:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 30th September | 15:00
Unfortunately due to the trains strikes, this event has been cancelled
Sh*t Art Club veterans, artistes, maestros! You have been introduced to the world of terrible art and now you’re ready to expand your repertoire.
Our eccentric host is back to guide you through greater exploration into art techniques so bad your new portfolio will make bathroom graffiti look like the Mona Lisa.
Don your beret, sharpen your pencil, and get set for this perfect blend of a cultured art workshop with the absurdity of an interactive comedy show. Art meets comedy, not to be confused with ‘sketch comedy’. Suitable for adults. Unsuitable for established artists.
“I thought I knew everything about art until today” – Matt Eece
“putting the ‘art’ into ‘i made a terrible piece of art‘” BankC
“I finally know where to draw people’s noses” Pickasso
This is an hour long comedy art workshop where you will produce terrible art.
Materials to make your terrible art will be provided, the workshop will begin at 3.00pm, please arrive early to settle in and stick around to socialise after!

CANCELLED: Shit Art Club
2023-05-27 13:30 - 14:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 30th September | 13:30
Unfortunately due to the train strikes, this event has been cancelled
Ever wanted to be an artist, but worried that you’ll need years of training? FEAR NOT! Welcome to Sh*t Art Club, the only art club where you make bad art… on purpose.
Let our eccentric host lead you through creative warm ups, exercises and more until you find yourself staring at the worst piece of art you’ve ever made in this interactive and immersive show. Suitable for adults. Unsuitable for established artists. The perfect blend of a cultured art workshop with the absurdity of an interactive comedy show. Art meets comedy, not to be confused with ‘sketch comedy’.
“I thought I knew everything about art until today” – Matt Eece
“putting the ‘art’ into ‘i made a terrible piece of art‘” – BankC
“I finally know where to draw people’s noses” – Pickasso
This is an hour long comedy art workshop where you will produce terrible art.
Materials to make your terrible art will be provided. The workshop will begin at 1.30pm – please arrive early to settle in. Our bar will be open from 1pm for drinks and snacks.

SUKI & MARIA’S JOY STORY
2023-05-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 26th May | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
This hotly anticipated new duo show combines Suki Webster (Comedy Store Players, Paul Merton’s Impro Chums, Channel 5’s Motorhoming with Merton and Webster) and Maria Peters (BBC Radio Comedy, Yes Queens, and The Playground).
These two powerhouses of the UK’s improvised comedy scene come together for one night only to create characters like you have never seen in stories that you have never witnessed before. A truly unique performance that will leave you feeling joyful, moved, heartfeeled and hilarious-ed.
A show so expertly improvised you’ll be wondering if it’s all made up. (It is).
Maria Peters “Left me helpless with laughter” Fringe Guru
Suki Webster “HILARIOUS” ️️️️️ British Theatre Guide

Chris Turner: Vegas, Baby!
2023-05-25 20:00 - 22:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Thursday 25th May | 20:00 (Doors 19:30)
Hot on the heels of his Las Vegas residency with Cirque Du Soleil, join comedian and freestyle rapper Chris Turner as he brings his signature blend of jokes and improvised rap to Bristol. With over 40m YouTube views and sell-out shows across the globe, don’t miss your chance to see Chris in an intimate venue for one night only!

As seen on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
‘Very funny, uniquely appealing…nobody on a Vegas stage does what Chris Turner does’ Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘A virtuoso…a hip-hop machine’ The Guardian
‘Unquestionably impressive…guaranteed to make you laugh, hard’ La Presse (Canada)
‘Mind-bendingly flawless’ Edinburgh Festivals Magazine

TRIBE: Bristol Pole Showcase
2023-05-20 19:30 - 22:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Saturday 20th May | 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

Nightmare on Ward 13
2023-05-17 19:30 - 21:30 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Wednesday 17th May | 19:30 (Doors 19:00)
Blood-curding! Hair-raising! You’ll scream till you’re hoarse! Nightmare on Ward 13 is a bone-crunching smash of horror and medical-drama. Expect dangerous doctors, psychopathic patients and sudden seizures in this brand new short-form improvised show created and performed by young people from Bridge Learning Campus in Hartcliffe.
The cast have worked with award-winning theatre & community arts company Brave Bold Drama to develop this show. As a result of this project the young people will achieve a Bronze Arts Award, a nationally-recognised arts qualification.

Nightmare on Ward 13 will be preceded by a two-prov performed by Gill Simmons & Paul Lawless of Brave Bold Drama. Because Brave Bold Drama never asks anything of young people that they aren’t first prepared to do themselves.

Compelling Scenes with Maria Peters
2023-05-12 11:00 - 17:00 | The Bristol Improv Theatre, Bristol Improv Theatre, 50 St Paul's Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP, Bristol, BS8 1LP, United Kingdom
Friday 12th May | 11:00 – 17:00
What makes some improv scenes ‘Meh’ And others ‘Wow’?
What is the difference between an audience ‘watching people improvise’ and being truly invested in the world you create?
When improvising a scene, making the audience laugh is one thing, but transfixing them so that they can’t look away is quite another. The goal of this workshop is to explore exactly those compelling moments when we can’t pull our eyes away.
We’ll look at:
– How to elongate tension for impactful moments of hilarity, joy and pain.
– How to gift your scene partners with compelling offers
– How to turn any offer from your scene partner into meaningful and gripping responses

About the Instructor
When not improvising in London, Maria performs and teaches at improv festivals internationally, most recently in Estonia, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal & The United States.
A lot of her expertise has also been gathered from world-class instructors over the years as Maria studied with: Charna Halpern, the founder of iO Chicago and author of Truth in Comedy, who originally developed The Harold with Del Close; Keith Johnstone; New York’s Upright Citizens Brigade; and The Second City in Chicago.
Maria Peters is one of the Yes Queens, the West End’s first female lead improv comedy group. She also performs in Breaking & Entering, a hugely popular improv duo and creators of The Playground which has grown to be one of London’s most iconic improv nights.
Her solo show, The Science of Cringe, premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and played to sell-out audiences. She also writes for BBC Radio Comedy, appeared on BBC One, and is a regular on the improvised podcast Destination.
On top of over a decade of professional improvising, Maria is also a professional educator. Her varied career encompasses Museum Learning and Personal Professional Development Training which means she’s an expert in passing on knowledge in interactive & engaging ways.
Maria creates friendly and relaxed environments to learn in and believes in giving her students all the tools possible to find the JOY of improv for players and the audience alike.
