Comedy-loving crowds are set to pack out a historic Salford pub for three days as an improv comedy and theatre festival rolls into town this June.
The Grade II-listed The Kings Arms pub on Chapel Street will host a mix of shows from rising stars on the Salford and Manchester improv scene, alongside workshops led by seasoned performers.
After its success in Salford last year, The Greater Manchester Improv Festival will return to the city from 5-7 June.
Bron Edge, the creative force behind the festival, said: “We were thrilled by the audience response to last year’s festival, with many shows and classes selling out.
“Audiences who might come for one show embraced the festival buzz and said ‘Yes, And… we’ll stay for more shows!’ So, of course we had to say ‘Yes, And… we’ll do it all again next year!’”
Now a firm fixture in the comedy calendar, the festival features twenty shows in total, spanning a wide range of styles and formats.
Audiences can enjoy everything from improvised musicals and quick-witted chat shows to solo performances, competitive comedy and genre‑based theatre.
Performances range from emerging new talent to established, award‑winning acts, ensuring something for both seasoned improv fans and first‑time visitors. Meanwhile, there is a show for people with short attention spans that lasts just five minutes.
Hugh Doherty from No Notes Improv, one of the local groups performing at this year’s festival, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing all the brilliant acts. It’s going to be a great weekend.”
Alongside the live shows, the festival offers a programme of workshops led by experienced performers and teachers.
These sessions explore key improv skills, including game of the scene, improvised monologues, songs and genre work, with options suited to different experience levels.
Event organisers The Totally Improvised Company explained that the workshops are designed to be welcoming, practical and inspiring for anyone interested in developing their improvisation skills.
Salford’s The Kings Arms pub is a fitting destination for a festival with ambitions of growing in the region in the years to come. Located on Chapel Street, it is an award-winning theatre pub that hosts a range of theatre and comedy events throughout the year.
All shows and workshops are ticketed at just £5, more information is available on the Totally Improvised Company’s website.
