The Greater Manchester Improv Festival is set to return to The King’s Arms in Salford from 5–7 June 2026, bringing three days of live performances, workshops and plenty of laughter.
Showcasing some of the finest improvisational comedy and theatre talent from Greater Manchester and across the UK, the festival will feature a vibrant and diverse programme designed to entertain audiences and inspire performers throughout the weekend.
“We were thrilled by the audience response to last year’s festival, with many shows and classes selling out,” explains festival organiser Bron Edge.
“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, horror stories 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. There’s even a show for people with short attention spans lasting just five minutes long!
“We’ve had longform, we’ve had shortform, now it’s time for microprov,” says Blink And You’ll Miss It performer John Cooper.
As well as local talent, the festival welcomes performers from Liverpool and London, as well as renowned American improvisers Landry and Summers with their improvised take on Billy Wilder’s classic, Sunset Boulevard. Hugh Doherty from No Notes Improv, one of the Manchester groups performing at this year’s festival, says,
“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. Workshops are designed to be welcoming, practical and inspiring for anyone interested in developing their improvisation skills.
The Kings Arms is an award-winning theatre pub that hosts a range of theatre and comedy events throughout the year making it the perfect home for the festival. All shows and workshops are ticketed at just £5, making the Greater Manchester Improv Festival an accessible and affordable celebration of creativity, spontaneity and live performance.
Tickets are on sale now. The full festival programme can be found here.
