Heard about improv and want to give it a try?

Improv is a form of live theater where all parts of the performance are made up on the spot. There’s no script and nothing is planned. It can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone, have loads of fun and make new friends.

There are lots of ways to learn improv. We are extremely fortunate in London to have several dedicated improv schools as well other centres where you can learn and practice improv.

With so much choice it can be baffling so ImproGrapevine has put together this handy guide to help find the right improv route for you.

The two longest established improv schools in London are Hoopla and The Free Association . Both offer taster sessions and courses at all levels. Relative newcomer Blanche Improv established in 2023 has a wide range of courses and excellent drop-in sessions as well as jams. Another recent arrival located in Covent Garden is Leapday which offers an 8-week course along with workshops and jam sessions open to beginners. On top of all that, there are several adult education centres offering improv courses. See the links below to start your improv journey today.

Taster classes

The best way to get started in improv is to attend a taster class. These are one-off sessions that give you a feel for what improv is like and what to expect from a full course.

The following is a list of recommended taster classes along with price and location

Hoopla

£28 - Liverpool Street

Free Association

£20 - Haggerston

Blanche Improv

Free - Earl's Court

Not quite a taster session but this free weekly workshop is very welcoming to first-timers

City Academy

£15 - Farringdon and other locations

This performing arts academy has an impressive improv course offering. Discounts occasionally available.

Courses for beginners

Ready to dive on in and take a improv course? Beginner courses usually run for 4 to 8 weeks and provide the perfect introduction improv. Hoopla, The Free Association, Blanche and City Academy also offer a wide range of follow-on courses while Leapday and a few adult education centres have a more limited selection. Following is a list with prices and locations.

The following is a list of recommended courses for beginners along with price and location

Hoopla

£240 - Various locations

Blanche Improv

£290 (£246.50 concessions), - Earl's Court

The Free Association

£331.50 - Haggerston

City Academy

£240 - Various locations

Leapday

£240 - Covent Garden

City Lit

£139 (£97 concessions), Covent Garden

London's leading adult education centre offers an introductory improv course

Drop-in Workshops

Workshops can be an easy and flexible way to learn improv. There is a trained instructor and the workshops may have a particular theme. The following is a list with prices and locations of workshops open to beginners.

Hoopla

£29.51 - Liverpool street

Blanche Improv

Free - Earls Court

These weekly workshops are normally £20 but Blanche is able to provide them free

Leapday

£40.00 - Covent Garden

Some Leapday workshops are suitable for beginners

Showup Collective

£18.00 - Walthamstow

Buy 3 sessions for £50 or 10 for £100

The London Improv Theatre

£25 - Camden Town

LGBTQ+ Improv Workshop

Free - Bankside

Monthly workshop for LGBTQ+ people

QI: Queer Improv Workshop and Show

Free - Location

Monthly workshop and show for LGBTQ+ people produced with Hoopla

Jam sessions

Jam sessions are more relaxed improv events and can be a fun and inexpensive way to try out improv. The following jam sessions are open to beginners.

Duck Duck Goose

Free - Brixton

SafeJam

£5 - Shoreditch

Simprov Drop In

£7 - Leadenhall Street

Improvisation Fun Meetup

£12.65 - Clerkenwell

Leapday

£10.25 - Covent Garden

The Act-up Drama Club

£13.69 - Docklands

Go see a show!

The are lots of improv shows in London. Check out our listings