9 SEPTEMBER 2026

Hello, everyone.

Just back from the Robin Hood International Improv Festival and one of the best improv experiences I’ve had in a long, long time.

I return to you inspired, recharged, enthused and happy.

Improv is good, isn’t it?

Rule of three

[Improv] Profoundly Human
Roy Janik is one of my all-time improv heroes. When I first saw his group, Parallelogramophonograph, play, I was immediately drawn to his cheeky, beautifully-kind stage presence. Every single person in that group is a master but, for me, Roy exemplifies the kind of improviser I’m trying to become - supportive, creative, empathetic and clearly having the time of his life. Roy has just started a newsletter and its already a drop-everything-and-read-it fixture in my life. It’s like getting a free improv class each week.

[TV] Lanterns
I love the idea of taking DC’s most cosmic, psychedelic, wackadoodle property (for instance one Green Lantern is a chipmunk, their weakness is the colour yellow and they have to constantly recharge their power rings like mobile phones) and making it a gritty, largely terrestrially-based prestige HBO series in the mould of True Detective. Everything from the writing, through direction, performance and production design is hitting the very highest bar here, hugely recommended.

[Film] Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass
I’m not going to go as far as to say this is a good film, but it is a hugely enjoyable one. It’s the Wizard of Oz if the Emerald City was Hollywood and Dorothy’s ultimate dream was to have sex with John Hamm.

Spotlight

Just a quick reminder of what The Pretend Company have going on this term. If you’re thinking of booking, please do so in the next couple of days if possible. THANK YOU!

PRETEND NIGHT @ HOOPLA
Thursday 10th September 7:30pm
Our first full night, run in partnership with Hoopla. We’ve got some amazing acts so please come and support us if you can.

LUNCHTIME LECTURE SERIES
From Thursday 17th September 12pm (UK time)
An online series of lectures where excellent improvisers break down their best scene work. This time we have Rick Andrews, Laura Doorneweerd-Perry, Aree Witoelar and yours truly.

IMPROV SIX PACK
From Thursday 24th September 6.30pm
We have SIX amazing teachers, each presenting a different skill raising workshop. This is one of the best line-ups we’ve ever had - Rick Andrews, Laura Doorneweerd-Perry, James Taverner, Katy Schutte, Víctor Arcturus Estrella and Liz Peters. If you want to get better at improv, this will be a masterclass.

Radio Contact

Radio met so many improvisers at the festival, he was constantly surrounded by brilliant people. Here he is with improv legend, Valerie Ward.