4 NOVEMBER 2026

Hello, and a wonderful good day to you.

I don’t know why, but the birds seems to be singing more harmoniously and the air smells sweeter.

I wonder what changed geo-politically today that has put me in such a good mood?

I guess we’ll never know.

Rule of three

[TV] Haha, You Clowns
This is a crudely animated show about three bone-headed brothers and their recently-widowed weatherman dad. When you start watching it, you’re immediately braced for some sub-Family Guy edgelord awfulness. But then it turns out the brothers really love each other and think their dad is super cool. They perform karaoke as a trio to entertain at their local seniors centre and one of them even earnestly takes up improv classes. It’s so strange, and so wholesome and all the male family members are voiced by the same actor who doesn’t really differentiate the voices at all. A sweet acquired taste.

[Film] The Greatest Show You’ve Never Heard Of
As improvisers, we’ve obviously all heard of SCTV - the Second City-affiliated Canadian sketch show that launched the careers of John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Rick Moranis and Martin Short to name a few - but it’s lovely to see the show given the proper documentary treatment by Netflix (as well as re-releasing all the actual episodes in one place). This doc made me tear up with its beautiful championing of underdog comedy, friendship and creativity. And seeing Catherine O’Hara with her old cast mates one more time.

[Books] Sky Daddy
This book is about a women who wants to marry a plane. It’s (kind of) based on a true story. It’s written by Kate Folk, whose short story collection I recommended a few weeks ago.

“As I belonged nowhere on the conventional spectrum of sexual orientation, I allowed people to assume I was heterosexual, and I suppose I was, as all planes are male in spirit, just as all boats are female, and helicopters possess the souls of mischievous children.”

Spotlight

Come and learn intensively with The Pretend Company. We have two current opportunities.

Southend Pretend Weekend - 14th-15th November 2026

All three co-founders will be visiting my childhood hometown of Southend-on-Sea. This is a really cost effective and wonderful opportunity to gain The Pretend Company’s key teachings in one weekend, especially if you live in the South East. Southend also has the longest pleasure pier in the world.

Pretend New Year Intensive - 18th-23rd January 2027

The main event. This is our signature five day intensive, culminating in a showcase at Pretend Night. We’re really excited about this and have created it particularly for any international improvisers who have been eyeing up Pretend classes from afar. Deadline for applications is 14th November, so not long left to apply.

Longform thoughts

Just as movement practitioners are in tune with their bodies, truly great improvisers play in a way that enhances their individual style.

They’re not trying to be the next Amy Poehler - they’re succeeding in being the current best them.

The final part of my exploration of movement theory as it relates to improv is here. It’s about finding your true voice - and why it’s so important to any artist.

You can also read the combined work here - What movement practice has taught me about improv

Radio Contact

Radio welcomes me home from Canada.