#189 You're his best friend
Apply to our training programme.
15 OCTOBER 2025
Hello.
Welcome to The Pretend Post.
I’m very proud of this newsletter, people often tell me it’s the only one that they actually open and read regularly (mostly for the pictures of Radio but I’m still going to call it a win).
If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, I have a favour to ask you - could you take a moment now to recommend it to a few of your friends, particularly if they’re also improvisers or actors?
The link to subscribe is https://buttondown.com/pretendpost
As you’ll see below, we’re launching the next iteration of our Improv Actor Training Programme today and we need to get the opportunity in front of as many performers as possible.
And thrillingly, the response to the last one has been phenomenal. Please do head on down to the Spotlight section and read the beautiful testimonials.
(after looking at the picture of Radio, of course)
Rule of three
[TV] Peacemaker
Season two of Peacemaker has just ended and it has left me even more excited about James Gunn’s new DCU. It’s the perfect combination of irreverent and sentimental. I don’t know how he holds those dissonant elements with such sublime balance but it works. It has everything - beautiful musings on the nature of belonging and loss, tiny magical imps that eat your face off, a man hugging an eagle and this Steel Panther needle drop. I also really enjoyed the podcast Gunn released after each episode - he’s a powerful guy in Hollywood now but he talks with such candour and passion for the things he’s making.
[Creator] Jamaal Burkmar
I have been watching Jamaal Burkmar videos on TikTok for about a month now. He simply talks to the camera. There are no gimmicks to his content. And yet he remains consistently the most compelling thing on the platform. Have a listen to him. And if his views don’t grab you there is always NunchuckTylor (who sings about himself in the third person whilst swinging nunchucks around and sometimes telling you you’re his best friend).
[Music] Where is my Husband?
This is not Raye’s first appearance in the newsletter but I don’t care because A) we’ve been going for over three years now (oh yeah, I forgot to mention in issue #156 that we’ve been going for three years) and B) her new single is phenomenally catchy and showcases a level of vocal control that I frankly find EXHILARATING. If you have three minutes, I’m honestly not sure there’s a better way to spend them than to watch this music video.
Spotlight
So, this is it.
We’re half way through our current Improv Actors Training Programme and loving every moment of it. So much so, in fact, we’re already looking ahead to our 2026 intake of ensemble members.
The 2026 version will be twenty four weeks long, start on Tuesday 3rd February and like last time be primarily facilitated by Ali James, Liam Webber and me, Chris Mead.
How are we different to other improv classes?
I’d say:
We focus on beautiful, relationship-led improv that feels powerfully theatrical.
We use an application process to pick our 12-person ensembles, meaning every performer will be as enthusiastic and dedicated as you are.
We don’t shy away from feedback and helping you to find your unique artistic voice. We’re not interested in churning out improvisers with the exact same skill set.
Here are some testimonials from our current ensemble members:
The room is held with kindness and the atmosphere of wild curiosity brings me back every week.
Stephen
Bespoke tailored to your improv growth in a supportive inclusive environment with highly skilled, astute and encouraging tutors. 💯
Wendy
Everyone is so kind. The leaders are kind, endlessly kind. The course feels curated rather than being paint by numbers. Pretend is the highlight of my week.
Lottie
It's an environment engineered for growth in a supportive, creative space. What they're doing here is really special.
Muireann
It has been amazing to find a course that embraces the inherently theatrical nature of this beautiful practice … Every session is unique and joyful.
Victor
Would you like to join us in 2026?
Click here for loads more information and a chance to apply.
Radio contact
Sofa buddy.