Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast

This week on The Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, the format is… gently ignored. With no guest and no improv deep dive in sight, host Iain Luke Jones takes the bold (and potentially reckless) decision to go solo and slightly off-piste. The reason? His brand new album, Iain Luke Jones: The Man Under the Hat. In this special episode, Iain talks through the making of the album, the ideas behind it, and the journey from “this might be fun” to “well, it’s happening now”. Expect a peek behind the curtain, a few stories along the way, and the occasional detour that may or may not find its way back. Improv fans, fear not. The spirit of it is still very much alive… just pointed in a slightly different direction this week. Iain Luke Jones: The Man Under the Hat is available to download and stream from May 22nd.

This week, host Iain Luke Jones is joined by the wonderful Cynthia Drabble (the pocket-sized rocket with a twinkle in her eye) for a brilliant and gloriously unpredictable chat. Cynthia is here to introduce her brand-new show, 'Babble with Drabble', bringing her irrepressible spirit and unique perspective to the podcast. We delve deep into what really makes Cynthia tick, from her fascination with crown green bowling and her godson Neville to the world of controversial biscuits. Together, they explore her unique journey into improv and how her unscripted, inquisitive style gives her a platform to tell her extraordinary story. So pour yourself a cuppa, sit back, relax… and enjoy some babble with Drabble.

This week, host Iain Luke Jones is joined by the wonderful Jennifer Carss for a brilliant and heartfelt chat about how a “one-off favour” turned into a full-blown love affair with improv. Jen shares the story of how she accidentally stumbled into the improv world and somehow never quite left, becoming deeply embedded in the thriving scene in Manchester. What started as helping out a friend has grown into a rich creative life filled with performance, collaboration, and producing her own work. We talk about her passion for bringing improv to younger audiences, including the shows she runs where children don’t just watch — they become part of the action and experience the magic of making it up for themselves. Along the way, we chat about some of the fantastic projects she’s involved with, including Murder Inc, Anything Could Happen, Drunk Classics, Acting Up from ImproQuo, and Curly Tales. It’s a joyful conversation about saying yes to opportunities, building creative communities, and discovering where improv can take you when you least expect it. So grab a brew and settle in as we find out all about Jen's true story about making stuff up.

On this episode of the Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, host Iain Luke Jones flies solo and dives deep into the world of improv literature. Rather than sitting down with a guest, Iain takes a thoughtful and entertaining look at ten of the most influential improv books ever written, the texts that have shaped the way improvisers think, perform, teach, and occasionally argue about the art form. From status and spontaneity to “finding the game”, group mind, structure versus freedom and everything in between, he explores the ideas that have defined modern improv and the debates that continue to surround them. Are certain formats placed on too high a pedestal? Has the language of improv made us clearer or more cautious? And what can these books still teach us about stepping on stage with nothing but trust, instinct and a willingness to leap? Whether you’re a seasoned improviser, a curious newcomer, or someone who just loves peeking behind the curtain, this episode is a celebration of the thinkers, teachers and provocateurs who helped shape the craft. So pour yourself a cuppa, sit back, relax… and enjoy another true story about the art of making stuff up.

This week marks a milestone as we hit Episode 150! Host Iain Luke Jones is joined by the brilliant Ebe McInerney for a joyful and wide-ranging chat. Though relatively new to the improv scene, you would never know it from watching her perform. With razor-sharp instincts and a natural flair for comedy, Ebe is already making her mark as one of the newest members of The Oickers. In this episode, we dive into her journey into improv, what fuels her creativity, and how her other passions — from fantasy worlds to intricate crafts and the science of tiny living things — all feed into the performer she is becoming. It’s a warm, funny, and inspiring conversation with a performer who has an incredibly bright future ahead of her. So sit back, relax, grab a brew and join us for Episode 150! It's time to find out Ebe's true story about making stuff up.

This week we return to the A–Z of Improv series with the letter ‘J’. Host Iain Luke Jones is joined by good friend and fellow Oicker Dave Hodgson for a lively, thoughtful, and wide-ranging chat about what this letter brings to the world of improv. Together, they explore how it shows up in scenes, training, and everyday life, with plenty of laughs and reflections along the way. So sit back, relax, and grab a brew, it’s time to journey through the letter J.

This week we welcome Hannah McGowan back to the show to talk about her transition from improviser to stand-up comedian. Hannah joins Iain to explore how her improv background continues to give her an edge when performing stand-up, from thinking on her feet to connecting with an audience in the moment. It’s been five years since Hannah first appeared on the podcast, and a lot has changed in that time. This episode is a chance to reconnect, reflect, and find out what she’s been up to since we last spoke, as well as digging into the similarities and differences between improv and stand-up along the way. So grab a brew, sit back, relax, and enjoy a thoughtful and entertaining chat about comedy, confidence and finding your voice on stage.

This week we’re kicking off 2026 with the fantastic Lisa Dunning! Lisa, a regular at Flintshire Funnybone Improv and CHIMPS and a member of one of the newest improv troupes on the block, Grass Dens, joins Iain to share her journey from starring in a televised version of The Nativity at just six years old to becoming deeply entrenched in the world of improv in recent years. This bumper episode is packed with conversation about accents, performing, using improv in the real world, sharing a hobby with your partner, and so much more. Also, stick around until the end for a special New Year musical treat from Iain! So what are you waiting for? Sit back, relax, and discover Lisa’s true story about making stuff up.

This week we are bringing the year to a close with a look back at 2025. Iain reflects on the guests, conversations and special episodes that shaped another brilliant year for the Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, celebrating the moments that made 2025 such a memorable one. There’s also a look ahead, teasing a few exciting things on the horizon as we move into 2026. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a little walk down memory lane - destination 2025.

This week we are welcoming back ChatGPT to the show to talk about their evolution since we last spoke and how they think they can be of service in the improv world. Iain chats with the newly-upgraded AI about the growing visibility of improv, how performers are using technology as a creative tool, and what the future might look like as human improvisers and AI learn to play together. We also explore the rise of improv across the UK, the joy of pun-based games, and why British audiences seem to love awkward humour more than anyone else. It’s an unusual episode, but a fascinating conversation about creativity, connection and the ever-changing world of improv. So pour yourself a cuppa, sit back and enjoy this unconventional chat about improv, technology and everything in between.

This week’s guest is long time friend of the show San George, who’s fresh from stepping into the world of stand-up comedy! We chat about how her gig came about, what it was like building her set, and how the night itself went down. Along the way, we dive into the similarities and differences between stand-up and improv, and explore how San balances her creative passions with managing medical challenges, proving that you don’t have to give up what brings you joy, you just have to find your own way of doing it. Of course, there’s a bit of Oickers chat thrown in for good measure, and at the heart of it all, it’s just two good pals having a laugh and talking about the things they love. So sit back, relax, grab yourself a nice warm cuppa because it’s time to find out exactly why San stood up.

This week’s guest is Matt Knowles from Glossop Improv and Dark Peak Adventure Club! After the pandemic, Matt decided it was time to get out, have fun and try something new, and that decision led him straight to the wonderful world of improv. We chat about creativity, community and the sheer joy of saying “yes, and” to life’s opportunities. So it’s time to sit back, relax and grab a brew as we find out all about Matt’s true story of making stuff up.

This week we are joined by the wonderful Chris Mead. Chris is a real font of improv knowledge and we delve into a wide variety of topics. He delves deep into his incredible journey into improv, from his early days performing at the Edinburgh Fringe to making improv his full-time career. We talk about his early influences, including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and how discovering Baby Wants Candy: The Improvised Musical sparked lifelong friendships and helped shape his improv path. Chris reflects on training with the Crunchy Frog Collective, his part in building London’s thriving improv scene, and how he developed not only as a performer but also as a facilitator. Along the way we cover his geeky passions — Doctor Who, musicals — his enduring friendship with Katy Schutte, and his current work with Hoopla Impro and The Pretend Company. We also look ahead at what’s next: from his Develop Your Own Practice award exploring the merger of movement and ensemble work, to teaching and performing in over 25 countries, and running indie projects under his own name. Chris is also co-founder of Unmade Theatre Co and one-third of the sci-fi improv team Project2. For more about Chris, his shows, classes, and newsletter (Pretend Post), visit www.chrismead.co This is a really fascinating chat that you will not want to miss. So sit back, relax and enjoy Chris' true story about making stuff up.

This week we welcome the wonderful Rebecca MacMillan to the show. A founding member of The Maydays, Rebecca has been at the heart of the UK improv scene for many years. In this episode we explore her improv journey, from her early days discovering the artform to her time performing with Closer Each Day, the UK’s longest running improvised soap opera, and beyond. We also chat about the incredible projects she is part of now, including her work building and nurturing the improv community in Stroud. Along the way we take a fascinating detour into her experiences as a historical interpreter and how that unique background continues to shape her approach to improvisation today. So it’s time to grab a brew, sit back, relax and find out all about Rebecca’s true story about making stuff up.

How do you get people who’ve never seen improv before to come to a show? In this episode of the Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, Iain Luke Jones chats with Dave Hodgson about the tricky art of marketing improv to non-improvisers. From finding the right language to avoiding insider jargon, to making improv feel exciting, accessible, and impossible to miss, we dive into what really works (and what definitely doesn’t!). Expect honest anecdotes, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way as we explore how to turn curious newcomers into lifelong fans of live improv comedy.

This week we welcome Katy Main and Naomi Williamson to the show! They may be new to the improv scene, but they’ve dived in headfirst, splashing about with big laughs and bold moves. With two very different paths that led them here, Katy and Naomi have already thrown themselves into some brilliant projects & they’re only just getting started. It’s time to grab a brew, sit back, relax, and enjoy Katy and Naomi’s true stories about making stuff up.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back the brilliant Cheng Jun Cheong for a deep dive into the hilarious (and sometimes cringeworthy) world of Beginner Pitfalls in Improv. Cheng Jun has been keeping a close eye on the improv scene, and he’s here to share his sharp, insightful observations on the common mistakes that can trip up even the most enthusiastic newcomers. It’s an informative, engaging, and laugh-filled chat that just might help you avoid those classic “making stuff up… incorrectly” moments. So grab a cuppa, settle in, and enjoy a masterclass in what not to do on stage.

This week we return to our A–Z of Improv series and explore the letter ‘I’! Host Iain Luke Jones is joined once again by the brilliant Sekki Tabasuares for an insightful and entertaining chat all about what the letter I brings to the world of improv. From imagination to intent and everything in between, this episode dives into the ideas, instincts, and improvisational magic that make the letter I so important on (and off) the stage. So sit back, relax, and grab a brew—it’s time to journey through the letter I!

This week, our host Iain Luke Jones peels back the layers of his writing journey, taking a pause from improv to shine a light on another major passion in his life. Ever wondered what the process of getting a book published really looks like? Then this is the episode for you. Don't just be that person who says, “I reckon I have a book in me.” Be the person who writes that book and gets it out into the world. Iain shares the highs, lows, rewrites, rejections, and little victories that shaped his path from idea to publication. Hopefully, his journey will help steer you toward your own. So now it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy Iain's true story of making stuff up — and then writing it down, editing it (a lot), and finally bringing it to life.

This week we welcome Xavier Chan and Vince Clavel to the show to talk all about their journey into improv. From discovering LCI to the ways it's reshaped their lives, we dive into what brought them to the stage and where they see their improv paths heading next. It's another fantastic chat that you won't want to miss, so sit back, relax, and grab a brew as we discover Xav and Vince's true stories about making stuff up.

This week, we’re delighted to welcome Codie Wright and Julie Anderson to the show. Both are relatively new to the improv scene, but they’re already brimming with enthusiasm and performing for live audiences. In this episode, you’ll hear how they each found their way to LCI, following very different paths, and how their recent completion of the Level 3 Introduction to Improv course has shaped their journey so far. What does the future hold for these rising stars? It’s another fascinating chat, full of variety—some improv-based, some not, but all thoroughly entertaining. So it's time to sit back, relax, grab a brew, and enjoy Codie and Julie's true story about making stuff up.

This week on the Liverpool Comedy Improvcast, we're thrilled to welcome the brilliant Cheng Jun Cheong to the show! 🌟 Discover how watching Whose Line Is It Anyway? in Singapore a decade ago sparked a journey that led Cheng Jun to the heart of Liverpool’s improv scene. Now a regular at our drop-in sessions, Cheng Jun shares how improvisation provides a much-needed mental escape from the pressures of life as a resident doctor in obstetrics and gynaecology. It’s a heartwarming, hilarious, and inspiring conversation about finding joy, connection, and clarity through the art of Improv. Don’t miss this fantastic chat — hit play, sit back, grab a cuppa and enjoy Cheng Jun’s true story about making stuff up!

In this special solo episode, Iain reflects on his one-person improv show, The You & Me Show, performed at the Liverpool Improvisation Festival. Sharing insights from the stage, he explores the challenges, surprises, and rewards of performing solo—and what it meant to connect with an audience in such a personal and collaborative way. So sit back, relax, and enjoy Iain’s true story about making stuff up… alone, but never truly alone.

This week on the Liverpool Comedy Improvcast, we return to Improv Room 101! Joining us is friend of the show San George, who’s bringing her top three improv no-no’s—the things she’d most love to see banished from the improv world forever. But can she convince Iain to lock them away for good? Tune in to hear which improv frustrations San would happily say goodbye to, and whether Iain agrees they deserve to be sealed in the vault of doom. So, sit back, relax, pop the kettle on, and enjoy another fun-filled episode of improv rants, revelations, and righteous refusals!

This week on The Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, we're thrilled to welcome another fabulous member of the Pick N' Mix Improv Troupe — Rosie Sosic! Rosie has had a whirlwind first year in the world of improv, and what a journey it’s been. From nervously stepping into a room full of strangers to finishing the year as an award-winning improviser, Rosie’s story is one of courage, creativity, and growth. Join us as she reflects on the highs, the learning curves, and the unexpected joys of making stuff up on the spot. It’s a heartwarming, inspiring, and often hilarious conversation that’s sure to leave you smiling. So grab a cuppa, sit back, and enjoy Rosie’s true story of of making stuff up.

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome back friend of the show, Sekki Tabasuares, for a fascinating conversation about the connections between public speaking and improv. Over the past year, Sekki has been building a strong foundation in the public speaking world and has discovered just how seamlessly improv techniques can enhance a speaker’s confidence, adaptability, and engagement. Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights on how these two worlds intertwine. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the chat!

In this episode of the Liverpool Comedy Improvcast, friend of the show Michael Ananins steps into host as our regular host Iain Luke Jones takes centre stage to chat about his brand new book, The Pundamentals—a celebration of puns, wordplay, and the joy of clever comedy! Iain dives into the inspiration behind the book, exploring how his love of improv and years of playing with language shaped its creation. He shares some of his favourite pun games, discusses the art of crafting the perfect wordplay, and reveals how The Pundamentals isn’t just about jokes—it’s about creativity, spontaneity, and the way language connects us all. If you love a good pun (or even a bad one), this episode is packed with laughs, insights, and plenty of groan-worthy moments! It's time to sit back, relax and find out Iain's true story about writing The Pundamentals.

This week on the Liverpool Comedy Improvcast, we're diving into all things LIF 2025 with Mark Smith and Jen Hardy! 🎭✨ Find out all about this year’s exciting four-day lineup, the incredible shows taking the stage, and the fantastic workshops on offer. Whether you're a seasoned improviser or just curious about the festival, this episode has everything you need to get hyped for LIF 2025! So sit back, relax and get ready to be blown away by what LIF 2025 has in store.

From childhood notebooks to the improv stage, Colleen Campbell's creative journey is full of surprises. This week, the Pick N' Mix Improv performer joins us to discuss how her passion for writing and drama led her to the world of short-form improv, with detours into stand-up and sketch. Join us for a fascinating conversation about finding your comedic voice. It's time to grab a brew, sit back, relax and enjoy Colleen's true story about making stuff up.

We are kicking off 2025 by welcoming the wonderful Hollie White to the show! Hollie moved back to her home city of Chester a little over a year ago and has already had a massive impact on the improv scene. She qucikly became a regular at Flintshire Funnybone Improv just over the border in North Wales and has more recently started Chest Improv Sociecty, more commonly known as C.H.I.M.P.S. & you can find out all about it and about how Hollie discovered improv in the first place in our first episode of the year. So sit back, relax and enjoy Hollie's true story about making stuff up...

We’ve had so many incredible guests on the Liverpool Comedy ImprovCast, and the show has grown and evolved so much since our very first episode. We thought it was about time to give our trailer a fresh update!

This Week we are bringing the year to a close with a look back at 2024. Iain reflects on all of the wonderful guests and specials that made this year so wondeful and we also tease a few exciting things coming up in 2025. So sit back, relax and enjoy a little walk down memory lane, destination 2024.

This week we are delighted to welcome Terje Brevik to the show! Terje talks us through his transition from 'IT Guy' to full time improviser after falling in love with improv when a friend persuaded him to join them at a beginners session. Terje has a huge improv brain and we can't wait for you to listen to his insight on some many fantastic improv topics. So what are you doing reading this when you could be listening to the episode right now? It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy Terje's true story about making stuff up. Find out more about Terje at www.terjebrevik.com

This week we are delighted to welcome Sarah Hutchinson to the show. Sarah is a relative newcomer to the improv world, but has made huge waves in her rookie year. Hear all about how moving to Liverpool kicked off an exciting new time in her life and how improv fits in to the new chapter in her life. What started as a fun idea when lookinging for activites to do in the area very quickly became a whole new world of friends, laughter and in many ways family. Hear all about Pick 'N' Mix Improv and how it has grown from a beginners improv level one course to an award winning short form comedy troupe in a matter of months! Sarah is on a creative adventure full of spoken word, Documentary style longform and of course lots of short form improv fun and you can hear all about it in this fantastic chat. So sit back, relax and enjoy hearing all about Sarah's true story about making stuff up.

In this episode, our host Iain Luke Jones sits down with UK improv pioneer Neil Mullarkey for an in-depth chat about his incredible journey through the world of improv comedy and beyond. We dive into how he first discovered improv, the origins of his long-standing friendship with Austin Powers star Mike Myers, and how the iconic Comedy Store Players came to be. Neil also shares fascinating stories from the early days of Whose Line is it Anyway?, and we explore his transition into using improv techniques to revolutionise the corporate world. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with laughter, insight, and a peek behind the scenes of both the comedy stage and the boardroom. This is definitely an episode you don’t want to miss—so sit back, relax, and enjoy Neil’s true story of making stuff up!

This week we return to our popular feature The A-Z of Improv. Returning to the show to help Iain break down all things 'H' is friend of the show and last minute super sub Dave Hodgson. Interested to find out what words made the list? Well there's only way way to find out! It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy another fun A-Z of Improv chat.

This week we are delighted to welcome Porta Fahey from Broken Chair Improv to the show! It is a fascinating chat about improv, politics, friendhip and life and we know you are going to love it! So sit back, relax and enjoy Portia's true story about making stuff up.

This week we are delighted to welcome the fantastic Aree Witoelar to the show! Aree is a Norway-based improv teacher, director and performer from Indonesia & am the founder and artistic director of Impro Neuf International, Norway’s most inclusive international improv community with over 1,000 members! During this chat we find out how Aree ended up in Norway, how his improv journey unfolded and so much more! So it's time to sit back, relax and enjoy Aree's true story about making stuff up. For all things Aree, please visit his website: www.areewitoelar.no

This week we are delighted to welcome Jayant Chopra to the show! Jayant is a prolific improviser both in person and online and his brillianlty authentic performances always make you feel like you are in very safe hands indeed. During this chat you will hear how he got into improv, where he is at with it currently and what his hopes and aspirations are for his improv future. It's a fun, frinedly chat that we know you are going to love! So sit back, relax and enjoy Jayant's true story about making stuff up.

This week time is short and so is the episode! It says it all in the title and if you want to know exactly what the title means, then you are just going to have to listen! So sit back, relax and find out what on earth is on Iain's mind

This week Iain talks all things improv with ChatGPT! Yes that's right, you read that correctly... Can AI be a genuinly interesting guest? you may well be surprised. It's time to sit back, relax and enjoy a brew as we find out just how human AI can be.

This week Sekki Tabasuares returns to the show to chat all things longform with Iain. It's a really insightful chat that we know you will gain a lot from, so sit back, relax and enjoy the true story of making stuff up (lonform style).

This week we retun to our newst format 'Improv Room 101' and welcome back friend of the show Dave Hodgson to try and convince Iain to get rid of some of his improv gripes for ever more. Will he succeed? The only way to find out is to listen! So sit back, relax and enjoy this entertaining new episode.

This week we are delighted to welcome Lilith Maya Welsh to the show! Lilith is an improv newbie with a huge passion for all things improv and this is a great insight into the mind of somebody that is still in that joyful process of discovering everything for the first time. There is a load of great chat about the LCI courses that are offered which may well get some of you excited to see what future courses are on offer and as Lilith works in education, Iain delves deep into some education chat too. It is a wonderful chat full of passion for improv and we know you are going to love it. So sit back, relax, grab a bew and enjoy Lilith's true story of making stuff up.

This week we welcome LCI newcomer Chris Pope to the show! Chris and Iain have a good old natter about Chris' journey into improv and about how this new found passion is postiviely impacting his life in a multitude of ways. It's an informative and fun chat that we know you are going to love, so sit back, relax and enoy hearing all about Chris' true story about making stuff up.

This week Iain Luke Jones talks a little bity about his recent experience at the wonderful Liverpool Improvisation Festival, but he mostly just talks about his recent illness which came to a head with a shockinglt long wait in A&E. Fortunately he will be fine and he wanted to use this show as a bit of an outlet to talk about his experience. Thank you for those that choose to listen. Normal programming will return in a couple of weeks. So now it's time to sit back, relax and find out all about what exactly has been making Iain cough his guts up for the last few months.

This week we are delighted to welcome Su Jackson to the show. Su and Iain have a wonderful chat about improv which then goes down many a rabbit hole into topics such as Su's work as a drama therapist and the state of the british education sytem to name but a couple. It's a great chat that we know you are going to love, so sit back, relax and enjoy Su's true story about making stuff up.

This week we welcome Dan Ayache to the show. Dan has been lucky enough to discover improv at a young age and he has so many exciting times ahead of him. Find out how improv has helped him to develop in many areas of his life and how it is helping him to carve a path forward in his life. Iain has been there from the beginning of Dan's improv journey and it's great to hear these two chatting away about something they are both so passionate about. So what are you waiting for? It's time to sit back, relax and find out all about Dan's true story of making stuff up.

This week we are excitied to share our first 'Improv Room 101' episode with you! Michael Ananins is the first two try and persuade our host Iain Luke Jones which three improv related things should be locked in room 101 never to be seen again. It is a really fun chat that we know you are going to love! So sit back, relax and enjoy this fun new feature.

This week we return to our A-Z of Improv series and are delighted to welcome Sekki, Dave and Stu from the Oickers to discuss all the the letter G with our host and fellow Oicker Iain Luke Jones. This is a really fun chat that is full of fruity Oicker fun, so sit back and relax as we delve into or improv A-Z once more.