New tie-up with Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s Monkey Barrel Comedy is to offer comedy training from top American improv and sketch institution Upright Citizens Brigade.

The original company was set up in Chicago in 1990 by  Amy Poehler and others, with notable alumni over the years including Aziz Ansari, Donald Glover, Kate McKinnon and Taskmaster’s Jason Mantzoukas.

Under a new partnership, UCB teachers will travel to Scotland to lead classes and workshops in Edinburgh, while collaborating with Monkey Barrel Comedy to develop a wider programme of live improv shows.

The company teaches thousands of students each year at training centres in New York, Los Angeles, Austin, and Pittsburgh but this is its first significant venture outside the United States.

Mike McAvoy, chief executive of UCB, said of Monkey Barrel: ‘We couldn’t imagine a better home or a better partner for this expansion. Together, we’ll support performers at every level and build a stronger pipeline of improv talent and shows.’

A spokesperson for the club said UCB had ‘created a world-leading improv programme, and collaborating with their fantastic team on classes and shows gives us a chance to support performers of all levels and contribute to a stronger, more visible UK improv scene.’

Monkey Barrel will also be hosting the Edinburgh International Improv Festival next month.

The first classes begin in March and go on sale on Friday via the UCB website.

It comes as Saturday Night Live – which often scouts for talent at the American UCB centres – prepares to launch a British version next month.

Published: 12 Feb 2026