London’s comedy landscape is about to get a lot more spontaneous as the Hoopla Improv Theatre kicks off its massive 20th-anniversary festival. Running from Friday, 10th April to Saturday, 18th July 2026, this landmark celebration marks two decades for the UK’s first dedicated improv theatre and largest training school.
The festival packs its intimate London Bridge venue with a "who's who" of comedic talent. Headliners include Dylan Emery (Showstopper!, The School of Night) and Athena Kugblenu (Mock the Week, House of Games). The marathon event begins with the RH & Friends 20th Anniversary Special on 10th April, setting the tone for three months of fast-paced, high-stakes chaos.
Diversity and Heritage on Stage
Hoopla is utilizing this anniversary to spotlight the various cultures that have shaped the UK improv scene. Key dates include:
Comediasians & Friends (18th April): A vibrant showcase of Asian and South East Asian talent.
Do The Right Scene (24th April): A special 20th-anniversary show from the UK’s longest-running Black improv group.
LadyProv (30th April): A night dedicated to championing female and non-binary improvisers.
Rice and Spice (23rd May): A dynamic cross-cultural "mashup" featuring Global Majority groups.
From Heavyweights to New Faces
The lineup blends industry legends with the next generation of performers. Improv titans Ruth Bratt, Lee Simpson, and Lauren Shearing will collaborate for Three Grown Ups Sitting Round a Table, while Olivier Award-winning Showstopper! The Improvised Musical brings high-concept theatricality to the stage. For those who want to get involved, the Festival MEGA Jam! on 27th April invites performers of all skill levels to jump in.
As the festival stretches into the summer, audiences can expect everything from Impromptu Shakespeare to the freestyle rap genius of MC Hammersmith, who will provide the festival’s high-energy finale in July.
“Bringing together such a diverse range of voices and styles is what makes this festival so special,” says Hoopla director Steve Roe. For a theatre that the London Evening Standard calls "the capital’s best improv," this 20th-anniversary season is more than just a party—it’s a masterclass in joyful, spontaneous theatre.
For the full lineup and tickets, visit hooplaimpro.com/20.
