...as Edinburgh Improv Fest heads to Monkey Brrel

The Glasgow Improv Theatre is to stage a 10-hour marathon of improvised comedy – announced on the same day as the details of next year's Ednburgh Improv Comedy Festival.

The Glasgow event will include 30-minute sets from teams, plus shorter ‘bit shows’ focused on exploring a single concept. 

The marathon is part of the venue’s celebrations marking a decade since founder Martin James – fresh from training at the Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles– set up a long-form ‘Harold’ night in Glasgow.

James, pictured, said:  ‘When I came back to Glasgow from UCB, it was hard to believe there was hardly any long-form scene in Scotland. It’s really special to look at what we’ve built over the last ten years. The marathon is a celebration of that journey and of the community that made it possible.’

The marathon is inspired by the Del Close Marathon  an annual, multi-day, non-stop improvisational comedy festival founded by the UCB to honour their mentor, the improv guru Del Close. Previously featuring the likes of  Amy Poehler, Donald Glover and Jason Mantzoukas it is set to return to New York next June for a show spanning three days.

John McInnes, an improv tutor at the Glasgow Improv Theatre, said: ‘The Del Close Marathon is globally recognised as a landmark event for improv. Bringing a version of that spirit to Glasgow feels like a natural next step. It’s a chance for performers to experiment, for audiences to see something truly unique, and to celebrate our growing community.’

The Glasgow event will take place on Saturday May 30, from 1pm to 11pm at The Old Hairdressers. Applications are now open to long-form improv performers and teams from across Scotland and beyond. closing on February 14. Teams can apply to perform at this link. Profits from the show are shared among the performers. 

Meanwhile, Monkey Barrel Comedy in Edinburgh is to host a four-day improv festival in March.

American comics Chris Gethard and Jiavani will be among the acts taking part in the Edinburgh International Improv Festival from March 5 to 8.

Festival producer Laura Hotchkiss said: ‘We’re so excited to partner with Monkey Barrel, who’ve nurtured and showcased some of the best improv talent in Scotland and beyond.

‘The Scottish improv scene has never been stronger, and this partnership will ensure the next generation of Scottish comedy talent has access to incredible teachers and one-of-a-kind performance opportunities. We’re so lucky to be partnering with one of the best and boldest comedy institutions in Scotland to make it happen.’ 

Monkey Barrel’s head of marketing, Ross Foley added: ‘Improv’s such an exciting, and increasingly popular, comedy form. "It provides a pathway for new performers to learn confidence on stage, develop comedic instincts, and build communities.’

Details of what shows and workshops in next year’s event will be announced nearer the time. The festival has been running since 2019.
 

Published: 5 Dec 2025