By Ade Blackburn
Discover the vibrant world of improvisational theatre with our handpicked list of the best improv classes in the Liverpool city region, where creativity and spontaneity take centre stage.
1. Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI)
Liverpool Comedy Improv (LCI) teaches drop-in sessions for improvisers of all levels from complete beginners through to those who are more advanced. They also offer specialised courses at every level to enable people to increase their skillset.
They see improvisation as enabling people to tap into their own creativity, boost their self-expression and confidence as well as unleashing a ton of laughter! It also allows people to hone their listening and communication skills by actively listening to others.
Liverpool Comedy Improv: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
2. Wing It Impro and Stories
Wing It Impro and Stories is run by multi-award winning actor and director Mark Smith. Mark has spent twenty plus years as a professional improvisor, either as performer or director. He was Artistic Director of Liverpool’s Spike Theatre from 2008-2014 and devised or directed all of their theatre shows.
Wing It run a fun Spontaneous Theatre course with play built into the heart of it. It’s suited for those who have some experience in improvisation and are looking for an intensive hit of creativity.
Mark is also behind Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Wing It Impro: Comedy Club, 22 Hope Street, L1.
3. Liverpool Improvisation Festival
Wing It’s Mark Smith devised the new two-day Liverpool Improvisation Festival, which is supported and hosted by the Unity Theatre. Across two days in 2023, they presented an exciting programme of 12 shows including two world premieres and four workshops. There is a mix of established artists and companies and those who are new and emerging.
All the work is improvised and draws upon numerous art forms including clown, comedy, fooling, music, puppetry, storytelling, and theatre.
Find out more about Liverpool Improvisation Festival 2024 here.
Liverpool Improvisation Festival: Unity Theatre, Hope Place, L1
4. Dream Academy of Arts
The St Helens based Dream Academy of Arts is taught by leading industry professionals, with experience in TV, Film, and Theatre.
Classes take place on Saturday mornings and are suitable for a range of age groups from 7-18 years, they provide unparalleled training in all aspects of performing arts. Training includes improvisation, voice work and confidence building.
Dream Academy of Arts: Carmel College, Prescot Road, St Helens, WA10.
5. Casino Improv
Slightly further afield, Casino Improv is a Wigan based Improv group, performing monthly at The Old Courts with The Something New Show. Casino Improv also performed at the first Liverpool Improvisation Festival.
Casino Improv: The Old Courts, Crawford Street, Wigan, WN1.
Have we missed anything in this article? Let us know! Get in touch with Clare at clare@culture.org.uk. We strive to make our features as inclusive as possible, so we’re keen to hear your suggestions.