Photo credit – Rah Petherbridge
In this, the 20th year of Hoopla Improv Theatre, the company are to celebrate their longevity by hosting Hoopla’s 20th Anniversary Improv Festival. Hoopla have been a defining force in offering a wide range of improv training, from beginners through to advanced learning, they have been a mainstay in providing a stage for their students, as well as professional improvisers to showcase their skills. Hoopla evolved from a group of old high school friends running improv practice sessions above a pub in 2006, to what we see today, one of the leading UK improv school and theatre, and a huge part of the popularity of improv today.
Hoopla director, Steve Roe, comments, I just can’t believe Hoopla is 20 years old – the time has flown by. It’s an honour to be a part of the amazing improv community and the incredible improv revolution that’s swept through the UK. This has been a massive team effort, with 1000s of people and 100s of shows and improv companies working together over decades with a shared passion for improvisation. I’m really excited to see groups that usually perform on the West End or to other massive audiences back in our cosy 80-seater venue. It’s going to be amazing to see groups like the Showstopper up close!
The festival includes one-night only performances from well-known improv acts such as Dylan Emery of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical, The School of Night, alongside other Showstopper performers Adam Meggido (also Peter Pan Goes Wrong, A Christmas Carol Goes Wrong), Ruth Bratt (People Just Doing Nothing), Andrew Pugsley (Society of Strange), and Phil Pellew (Popeye, Off The Wall). Also, the magnificent The Maydays, The School of Night, and Grand Theft Impro, all well respected names in the world of improv. Adding a music element to the line-up is a Mini Showstoppers! The Improvised Musical, and Impropera! Featuring Niall Ashdown, Comedy Store Player and Hoopla teacher.
There are many Hoopla friends’ shows from RH & Friends, Comediasians & Friends, Hoopla House Party: Gamez, The Descendants, Michelle & Track 96, Do The Right Scene, Abandoman! and M C Hammersmith. Many of these players trained at Hoopla, being the biggest improv school in the UK, a huge advantage is having a theatre where students can learn to play in a safe environment. This addition is undoubtedly added to their success.
Come along to the festival, where you will have the opportunity to witness some of the best improv in the country, in Hoopla’s intimate theatre. Further acts to be announced late March, so keep an eye on their social media page for news.
Photo credit – Hannah Anketell
Title Hoopla’s 20th Anniversary Improv Festival
Date Friday 10th April – Thursday 21st May 2026
Location 96 Snowsfields, London Bridge, SE1 3SS
Website https://www.hooplaimpro.com/20
Guidance 18+
Social Media @hooplaimpro
Biography
Founded in 2006, Hoopla is one of the UK’s leading improvised comedy companies and training organisations, celebrating 20 years of joyful, spontaneous theatre in 2026, with a clear mission to bring the joy of improv to everyone. Based in London, Hoopla is best known for its high energy, good improv shows and its inclusive, supportive approach to performance.
Alongside its professional productions, Hoopla delivers thousands of workshops and courses each year, working with performers, businesses, and communities to build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. From complete beginners to professional actors, Hoopla’s training programmes make improvisation accessible to all, with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, playfulness, and collaboration.
