73 shows this month across the Midlands, covering Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester & more.
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BIRMINGHAM
THURS 6TH – PATRICK KAVANAGH
Based On A True Story: Fat Penguin Improv create a completely original night of comedy using Chicago’s most famous improv format.
https://www.facebook.com/FatPenguinImprovComedy
WEDS 12TH – GUILD OF STUDENTS
Improvabunga: A side-splitting musical romp with three audience buzzers that let you control the show. Valentines Day special.
https://www.facebook.com/WatchThisImprov/
THURS 13TH – THE VICTORIA
The Folly: Comedy nonsense, new and fresh each time, from a play that nobody wrote. With special guests SupHER Group and Sex, Lies & Improvisation.
https://www.facebook.com/thefollyimprov/
THURS 13TH – PATRICK KAVANAGH
Based On A True Story: Fat Penguin Improv create another comedy show from scratch.
https://www.facebook.com/FatPenguinImprovComedy
MON 17TH – BLUE ORANGE THEATRE
Box Of Frogs: Monthly show in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter where audience members have the option to join performers on stage.
https://www.facebook.com/BoxofFrogsImpro/
THURS 20TH – PATRICK KAVANAGH
Based On A True Story: Some of the best improvisers in Birmingham take to the stage to deliver another Fat Penguin Improv comedy show.
https://www.facebook.com/FatPenguinImprovComedy
TUES 25TH – ROSE VILLA TAVERN
Margaret I Have Something To Tell You: Allison host a comedy extravaganza, featuring guests Benedict Churchas & Andrew Thayer.
https://www.facebook.com/AllisonImprov/
WEDS 26TH – 1000 TRADES
OK Stop: A fast paced long form improv show utilising audience ideas to create a unique one hour movie in front of your eyes.
https://www.facebook.com/okstopcomedy/
THURS 27TH – ARTEFACT
What A Nice Night: Stirchley’s monthly night of stand-up, spoken word and improvised comedy.
https://www.facebook.com/NiceNightComedy/
THURS 27TH – PATRICK KAVANAGH
Based On A True Story: Weekly show where a series of monologues are converted into comedy scenes by members of Fat Penguin Improvised Comedy.
https://www.facebook.com/FatPenguinImprovComedy
FRI 28TH – THE WELLINGTON
Jumprov: Improv meets alcohol while the UK’s first BAME group create comedy sketches while tipsy.
https://www.facebook.com/Jumprov/
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NOTTINGHAM
TUES 4TH-FRI 7TH – NEW THEATRE
Afterlife: An improviser is sacrificed for the “greater good” and is now a poltergeist. The audience is an afterlife full of suggestions and the other performers are fair game.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/UoNImprov/
FRI 7TH – NATIONAL JUSTICE MUSEUM
The Glowstick Trials: 7 back-to-back shows putting your misdeeds on trial with the audience involved via glowsticks. Part of Nottingham Light Night.
https://www.facebook.com/missimp.co.uk
THURS 13TH – MALT CROSS
Gorilla Burger: Theatre karaoke where you can be the star. Or you can just sit back and enjoy an evening of unplanned, uncensored improv comedy.
https://www.facebook.com/missimp.co.uk
MON 17TH – THE ANGEL MICROBREWERY
Cats Pyjamas: Audience members can sit back and enjoy a free comedy show or take the plunge and join the performers on stage.
https://www.facebook.com/improvnottingham/
SAT 22ND – NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE
Improv Triple Decker: Three separate troupes combine for a night of unique performances. Featuring Denise’s 50th, Five Chubby Foxes & The Improclaimers.
https://www.facebook.com/missimp.co.uk
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LEICESTER
SAT 1ST – CREATE STUDIOS
The Same Faces: Brilliant comedy sketches live on stage, in the style of “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
WEDS 5TH – THE Y THEATRE
Tiny Stories: Bring your favourite book, they’ll retell it in a way you couldn’t possibly forget. Nominated for Improv Group of the Year by Phoenix Remix.
https://www.facebook.com/TinyStoriesImprov/
WEDS 5TH – PETER PIZZERIA
The Great British Faith Off: Faith leaders from across the city have taken part in a one day comedy workshop… and now they’re about to perform live in front of you.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/the-great-british-faith-off/
THURS 6TH – WYGSTON’S HOUSE
The Improlectuals: An improv “super-group” made up of some of the finest improvisers from around the Midlands, creating completely new comedy sketches on the spot.
https://www.facebook.com/improlectuals/
FRI 7TH – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
Sex, Lies & Improvisation: From the award-nominated minds behind CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and Sturike Comedy, this is the story of a girl, a guy and a great big lie.
https://www.facebook.com/betweenusimprov/
FRI 7TH – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
The Same Faces – Different Voices: Introducing new show formats & new players to the festival, and as always, bringing you the very best improvised comedy possible.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
FRI 7TH – BEAN GAMING CAFE
Some-Antics: A spoken word event which features open mic, a poetry slam, DJ and featured act. Join us for a great night of spoken word and comedy.
https://www.facebook.com/someantics.poetry/
FRI 7TH – ATTENBOROUGH ARTS CENTRE
Bright Sparks Comedy Asylum: The award-winning comedy mental health showcase led by local legend Rob Gee returns for its 13th year with a show about luck.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/brightsparks-comedy-asylum/
SAT 8TH – DEACON STREET ARTS
Tiny Jam: Watch Tiny Stories perform on stage and then put your name in the hat for a chance to join them. With special guests Stealing The Show.
https://www.facebook.com/TinyStoriesImprov/
SAT 8TH – GRAYS @ LCB DEPOT
Board Game Smackdown: oin comedians as they play board/card/party games live on stage. Hosted by award-winning comedian and UK board game champion James Cook.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/board-game-smackdown/
SAT 8TH – KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE
The Same Faces – [Specialist Subject] The Musical: One of the performers will deliver a lecture on their specialist subject, then the cast turn it into a brand new musical.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
SAT 8TH – BREWDOG
The Oxford Imps: 5-star rated, fast-paced improvised comedy show. Featuring songs, puns, scenes and raps – all made up entirely on the spot.
https://www.facebook.com/oxfordimps/
SAT 8TH – KAYAL
3 Not So Wise Men: The Jew, The Plumber & The Comedy Musician combine their skills to provide an hour of entertainment.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/3-not-so-wise-men/
SAT 8TH – BLACK HORSE LAUGHTER LOFT
ZIUQ: Family friendl-ish backwards comedy quiz. Audience are teams, questions are irrelevant, answers come from all sorts of surprising directions. Different every time.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/paul-silky-white-ziuq/
SAT 8TH – THE COOKIE
Daniel Nicholas – Lessons In Nostalgia: A stand-up game show. If you remember MSN and video game soundtracks from the 90s, then you won’t forget this show.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/daniel-nicholas-lessons-in-nostalgia/
SAT 8TH – KNIGHT & GARTER
Alex Leam – Improv Provocateur:The bravest performers from across the festival are put through their paces in a range of near the knuckle improvised games.
https://www.facebook.com/ImprovProvocateur/
SUN 9TH – BLACK HORSE LAUGHTER LOFT
Paul “Silky” White – Sound Of The Baskervilles: “Absolutely brilliant. Great improviser, wonderful stand-up, beautiful singer” BBC Radio Scotland
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/paul-silky-white-the-sound-of-the-baskervilles/
SUN 9TH – THE COOKIE
Willis & Vere: The story of a controversial artist’s rise to fame and subsequent downfall, created entirely from audience suggestions.
https://www.facebook.com/willisandvere/
SUN 9TH – BREWDOG
The Oxford Imps: A hilarious hour of fun for all the family. Shout out your wildest suggestions and see what some of the nation’s top improvisers come up with.
https://www.facebook.com/oxfordimps/
TUES 11TH – TOWN HALL BIKE PARK
Chella Quint – Adventures in Menstruating: A bloody funny period comedy about breaking taboos and ending period poverty. Featuring a bleeding ridiculous conga line.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/chella-quint-adventures-in-menstruating/
WEDS 12TH – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
The Same Faces – Uncle Armando: A headlining stand up comedian will improvise monologues – based on your suggestions – and inspire fantastic improvised sketches.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
THURS 13TH – WYGSTON’S HOUSE
The Further Ravings Of Electric Frog: During a live chat show, Dadaist director Electric Frog flashbacks his way through his somewhat dubious career.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/the-further-ravings-of-electric-frog/
FRI 14TH – FIREBUG
Conversation Garden on Love Island: Winners of Best Improv show in Leicester Comedy Festival 2018, Conversation Garden are looking for love, money, and survival.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/conversation-garden-on-love-island/
FRI 14TH – BEAN GAMING CAFE
Some-Antics: Spoken word event showcasing some of The Midlands’ finest stand-up and improv comedy acts. Special event as part of the Leicester Comedy Festival.
https://www.facebook.com/someantics.poetry/
FRI 14TH / SAT 15TH – LEICESTER CATHEDRAL
An Improvised Funeral: The life and times of a fictitious individual, with vibrant vicars, horrendous hymns and flashbacks to the life of the deceased.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/an-improvised-funeral/
SAT 15TH – GRAYS @ LCB DEPOT
Daniel Nicholas – Millenial Generation Game: A new stand up game show looking at the different generations there are and why everyone hates young people.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/daniel-nicholas-millennial-generation-game/
SAT 15TH – MANHATTAN 34
Chris Betts Vs The Audience: Part stand-up, part debate class, Chris Betts will argue the opposite of anything anyone in the audience says on any topic they choose.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/chris-betts-vs-the-audience/
SAT 15TH – BREWDOG
Bad Clowns: An interactive show where the audience finds themselves in the hands of three friendly faces of a demonic cult. Save or eternally damn your souls.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/bad-clowns-cult-classic/
SAT 15TH – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
The Same Faces: The Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees perform games, scenes, songs and one-liners, all made up on the spot based on your suggestions.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
SAT 15TH – KING RICHARD III VISITOR CENTRE
ImproVine: Merging the worlds of improvised silliness with our fallen hero Vine to create some ridiculous sketches based on your favourite iconic 6-second videos.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/improvine/
SUN 16TH – THE ANGEL HOTEL
A Very Funny Tasting with Jarred Christmas: Duncan Murray Wines provide Aa night of slurping and sizzling comedy.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/a-very-funny-tasting-with-jarred-christmas/
TUES 18TH – THE COOKIE
Foolish Bandits Present Cast Vs Crew: The Cast want to perform a fairy tale chosen by the audience while the Crew try to stop them using a cocktail of lights, sounds and props.
https://www.facebook.com/foolishbandits/
THURS 20TH – BREWDOG
Murder Inc: Crafty, hilarious, improvised murder mystery that YOU help program. Set the scene and we’re off. Crack the case and win a prize.
https://www.facebook.com/M.Inc.Improv/
FRI 21ST – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
Rhymes Against Humanity: The Midlands’ highly acclaimed improvised musical. No scripts, no pre-prepared tunes – just a non-stop joyride of musical hilarity.
https://www.facebook.com/rhymesimprov/
FRI 21ST – THE Y THEATRE
Crime Scene Improvisation: Following a five-star sell-out run at Edinburgh Fringe, CSI returns to Leicester with a rip-roaring crime comedy made up entirely on the spot.
https://www.facebook.com/crimesceneimpro/
FRI 21ST – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
Sex, Lies & Improvisation: An improvised comedy about lying together.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/sex-lies-and-improvisation/
SAT 22ND – SUE TOWNSEND THEATRE
The Dark Room – Boss Level: You, the audience, are trapped in an interactive, retro gaming nightmare; choose an option, find the way out, and escape The Dark Room.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/the-dark-room-boss-level/
SAT 22ND – FIREBUG
The Dark Room For Kids: You and your family are stuck inside a live-action video game! How will you escape?! If you don’t, The Dark Room keeps one of your parents forever.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/the-dark-room-for-kids/
SAT 22ND – THE CURVE
Notflix: A show based on a film. Did we mention the cast are making it up as they go along? Did we mention it’s a musical? With a live band and original, improvised songs.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/notflix-the-improvised-musical/
SUN 23RD – UPSTAIRS AT THE WESTERN
The Same Faces – Improv Smackdown: The country’s best improvisers go head-to-head, fighting to be declared Smackdown Champion of 2020.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/the-same-faces-improv-smackdown-2020/
SUN 23RD – PETER PIZZERIA
Tony Slattery is Unrehearsable: The Whose Line is it Anyway star headlines in his own improvisation show. Expect silly games both old and new. Hosted by Robert Ross.
https://comedy-festival.co.uk/event/tony-slattery-is-unrehearsable/
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EVERYWHERE ELSE
FRI 7TH – THE ARTRIX, BROMSGROVE
An Improvised Murder: With no script and no plot, Foghorn Unscripted and the audience create a classic whodunnit. All served up with a generous helping of jokes.
https://www.facebook.com/foghornunscripted/
FRI 14TH – ESQUIRES COFFEE, COVENTRY
Full Of Beans: Coventry Improv presents their monthly big gig, a hugely entertaining slice of live improv in the heart of the city.
https://www.facebook.com/CoventryImprov/
FRI 14TH – MARKET HARBOROUGH RUGBY CLUB
The Same Faces: The Leicester Comedy Festival award nominees perform games, scenes, songs and one-liners, all made up on the spot based on your suggestions.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
FRI 28TH – FEARON HALL, LOUGHBOROUGH
Splat Night: A new regular night of improv comedy. First half features guest act Wayward Souls, second half is a jam where everyone can join in the fun.
https://www.facebook.com/SplatImprov/
FRI 28TH – WHITCHURCH LEISURE CENTRE, SHROPSHIRE
Box Of Frogs: Birmingham’s premiere improv group create a night of high-octane improvised comedy nonsense, based entirely on your suggestions.
https://www.facebook.com/BoxofFrogsImpro/
SAT 29TH – POMFRET ARMS, NORTHAMPTON
The Same Faces: More instant humour from this long-established comedy group.
https://www.facebook.com/TheSameFaces/
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Have I missed a show? Get in touch and let me know.
MidlandsImprov.com 