Liverpool Improv Festival Announces 2026 Programme

The Liverpool Improvisation Festival (LiF) will return to the city from 7th - 10th May 2026, bringing four days of improv and workshops to Unity Theatre and Liverpool Arts Bar Studios.

Recently crowned Britain’s best city, Liverpool has a rich cultural history that LiF will be building on as it heads into its 4th year. The 2026 programme will feature 18 live shows, including three world premieres, alongside seven intensive workshops led by celebrated international practitioners.

The festival is co-directed by Mark Smith and Jen Hardy and is supported by the Unity Theatre, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), and Liverpool Arts Bar Studios.

Among the announced programme highlights are David Elms Describes a Room, recently an Impro Post Top Pick, and Limboland, the latest show from musical improviser T.J. Mannix. Other featured productions include Ancestors, an improvised show performed by twelve international and UK improvisers, and the return of legendary improv troupe The School of Night.

LIF 26 School of Night - Credit Andrew AB

Several LiF 2026 artists have recorded interviews with Hal Munger from the MuProv podcast, discussing their respective shows and improv journeys. The interviews are brilliantly insightful and are free to access here.

LiF will be hosting several workshops across the weekend for those looking to develop their practice. Sessions range from three to six hours and look at topics such as musical and theatrical improvisation. 

LiF 2026 will run shows at Unity Theatre from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th May, with workshops continuing through Sunday 10th May.

For full programme details and ticket information, visit liverpoolimprovfestival.com.

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