Hoopla Impro 20th Anniversary
09 May 2026
The Miller
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Hoopla Impro is celebrating their 20th birthday this spring, with an impressive line-up of shows at their London Bridge venue until the 21st May, and many regularly scheduled shows, workshops, and classes beyond that.
Hoopla is the UK’s first improv theatre and biggest improv school, founded by a group of friends running a practice sessions above The Miller pub, now the venue for the school and 80-seat theatre. Having trained thousands of students over the past two decades, Hoopla has become a launchpad for performers working across theatre, television, radio, and film.
The Hoopla 20th anniversary festival celebrates this history by uniting the artists who helped shape its story from the beginning, honouring its journey from first workshop to a defining force in British improv.
On the 9th of May I got a taste of the quick-witted chaos with a show presenting improv games with some of the Hoopla teachers, as well as legendary The MayDays for a brilliant evening of improvised entertainment.
First up, the teachers presented a selection of improv games that are used in classes and workshop to hone performer’s skills. Taking suggestions from the audience, who were all too willing to delve into the depths of absolute mayhem, they whirled through a series of short scenes, storytelling one word at a time, and even creating an entire movie from just 60 seconds of a trailer. A wild ride of expert improv in bite-sized portion, and a great look at how the improv school works. A very entertaining short showcase that whetted the appetite for more.
Next up, The Maydays, a hugely influential improv companie who have been around for over two decades themselves, and were one of the first to bring US Chicago style long-form improv to the UK, specialising in gothic musicals. Boasting live improvised music and a storyline based only on the occupation of one of the audience’s grandparents, in this case, a dentist. What unfolded was a haunting tale of rows and rows and rows of teeth, sweet-toothed vampires, and complete pandemonium. Brilliantly funny and impressively coherent, this troupe really knows how to put on a show!
This evening of improv really showcased Hoopla’s strength and influence, celebrating ad hoc storytelling and showing off their biggest assets. Hoopla Impro is absolutely worth a visit, whether it is for an improv class, an extensive workshop, or to see a hilarious show. This venue has so much to offer and is a definitive staple in the industry. Happy Anniversary, Hoopla!
