The History of Improv

The History of improv is hard to pin down. Like folk music, improv is often passed down through generations by oral tradition rather than through written or recorded formats. Games in particular can vary wildly between how they are played and what they are called. Your ‘MindMeld’ is my ‘Convergance’ and my ‘I am a Tree’ is your ‘3 in a Circle.’ For an ephemeral and evolving art form this makes sense, but I believe it’s also important to have a respect and understanding of the roots of our artform and how we have got to the place we are today.

Although much of what we do at AndAlso is influenced by the American scene, the history of improv in the UK has also shaped the way we think about comedy and performance. While many groups and schools are influenced by American improv traditions, UK improv has developed it’s own distinct style, often characterized by a drier wit and a focus on a more Theatrical style. 

There are some great books on the history of improv in the US (like ‘Whose Improv is it Anyway?’ by Amy Seham and ‘Guru: My Days with Del Close‘ by Jeff Griggs) so let’s take a meander from the early days of improvisational theatre in Europe to the thriving scene in the UK we know now, and explore how improv has evolved, the pioneers who paved the way, and the groups that continue to shape the art form.

Early Beginnings: The Roots of Improv

According to many, the history of improv traces back to the lively streets of 16th-century Italy with the advent of commedia dell’arte, a vibrant form of theatre where performers would use loose scenarios to create spontaneous, character-driven performances. While this wasn’t happening in the UK just yet, it could be argued that this set the foundation for what would eventually become a global improvisational movement, influencing British theatre traditions for centuries to come. 

In the UK, during the 19th century improv took root in music hall performances and pantomime, where performers often engaged directly with the audience, responding to heckles and ad-libbing their way through skits. This seems to be some of the earliest forms of historical improvisation recorded and referenced in the UK, but I very much doubt that people weren’t improvising in some form before this. It gets muddy when we open the definition to include storytelling and music but so this remains a blog and not a book, I’ll leave it there.

The Improv Evolution: 20th Century Pioneers

The true evolution of improv in the UK began to take shape in the mid-20th century. One key moment is oft regarded the opening of The Establishment Club by Peter Cook in 1961, which, although not strictly improv, was a crucible for satire and spontaneous performances. Alongside Cook, comedy pioneers like Dudley Moore, Alan Bennett, and Jonathan Miller brought a fresh, unscripted energy to the stage with their revue show “Beyond the Fringe” in 1960.

However, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the improv revolution truly began. The formation of The Comedy Store Players in 1985 marked a turning point in UK improv. As one of the longest-running improv groups in the country, they championed short-form improv games, a style that would later gain massive popularity through the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. This show, which aired from 1988 to 1999, became a landmark moment in the history of improv, bringing the art form into mainstream British entertainment and inspiring a new wave of performers. I am a guest player with the Comedy Store Players sometimes and I have to thank my lucky stars and pinch myself every time I get the opportunity to step on that hallowed stage. They still do shows every Sunday, and I highly recommend checking them out next time you are in London.

Improv Through the Ages: The 21st Century Boom

The 21st century has seen an explosion in the popularity and variety of improv in the UK. The Edinburgh Fringe Festival has become a vital stage for improv troupes, bringing together a community where UK and international performers can showcase their skills and experiment with new forms. At some point somewhere between 15 and 5 years ago, I used to run an event called the ‘Improsium’ which was a panel discussion and improv Symposium where all the improvisers from the UK could get together and talk about our craft. Some of our guests included Mike Mcshane, Cariad Lloyd, Dylan Emery and Al Samuels. 

Where UK improv started with classic short-form games the landscape of UK improv has diversified beyond recognition to to include improvised musicals, dramas, genre-specific shows like murder mysteries and sci-fi adventures and crazy experiments like improvised concept albums and beat poetry nights (many of which I am proud to have had a hand in)

Improv schools in the UK have been instrumental in nurturing new talent, offering training that ranges from foundational skills to advanced long-form techniques from a mind boggling variety of influences. At AndAlso we try to credit and influence all the global traditions we’ve been inspired by as well as creating our own style. These days, improv schools in the UK are not just teaching the basics; they’re pushing the boundaries of what improv can be, embracing inclusivity, and expanding access to anyone willing to step into the unknown.

Improv Pioneers: Shaping the Scene Today

The influence of British pioneers like Peter Cook and The Comedy Store Players cannot be overstated. Their early work laid the groundwork for the current thriving scene. But today, the UK’s improv landscape is shaped by a new generation of performers and teachers who continue to innovate. Shows like Showstopper, Austentatious, The Maydays, Impromptu Shakespeare and Spontaneous Potter are redefining what audiences can expect from an improv show, blending music, drama, and comedy into fully improvised spectacles that keep audiences coming back over and over -after all the cool thing about Improv is that no two shows are ever the same.

The Future of Improv

Today, improv is a vibrant part of the UK’s performance landscape, with a strong presence in theatres, festivals, and television. It continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of live performance and audience interaction.

Looking forward, the future of improv in the UK is bright and full of potential. With a solid foundation built on decades of creativity and experimentation, the next wave of improv will continue to explore new formats and technologies, including online and virtual performances. Shows like Improbotics and the Electro Impro Show are already leading the way.

Even more importantly, UK improv has become more community-oriented and accessible, with an emphasis on inclusivity and encouraging new performers from all backgrounds. This means stories and cultures that haven’t had nearly enough stage time are finally getting recognition and and improv in the UK is richer as a result.

From its early days rooted in historical improvisation to the vibrant and diverse scene of today, one thing is for sure;  the history of improv in the UK is a story of constant change and is a powerful testament to the tradition of live, unscripted storytelling, wherever you believe it first began.