Bristol Improv Theatre

Origins as Bristol Improv Network (2012)

Bristol Improv Theatre began in 2012 as the Bristol Improv Network, a volunteer-led collective of artists, teachers, and producers formed to connect existing Bristol improv groups. The company debuted at Bristol Old Vic's Improv Jam and ran the first Bristol Improv Festival in 2013 across pubs and music venues, featuring companies including Racing Minds, Project2, Closer Each Day, Instant Wit, and Degrees of Error.

Permanent Venue: Polish Ex-Servicemen's Club, Clifton

After two festivals and hundreds of classes, Bristol Improv Theatre became permanent tenants of the Polish Ex-Servicemen's Club at 50 St Paul's Road, Clifton, a Grade II listed building near Bristol Lido in the Whiteladies Road area. The venue also hosts Unscripted Players (UP!), described as the UK's first am-dram company dedicated to improvised theatre.

Charity Registration (2024)

Bristol Improv Theatre became a registered charity in March 2024, providing long-term structural stability for the organisation.

Bristol Improv Theatre is the UK's first full-time dedicated improv theatre, a registered charity since 2024 operating from a Grade II listed Clifton venue and producing the annual Bristol Improv Festival.