Does the UK have anything comparable? They seem to be such fertile ground in the States, I find it hard to believe there are not some of similar merit here.
Oh and FYI I have Googled it but it's hard to know which are reputable and which aren't.
The UK's UCB/Second City equivalent?
I have no idea what you're talking about!
They're groups/theatres where a lot of funny people go to sort of train up, doing sketch and improv; they'll write and perform and maybe make it from sideshows into the main show. I think it works something like that anyway. People like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler started that way. Never heard of a similar thing here.
Ah, thank you.
Sorry I usually frequent American boards and just assumed everyone would be as much of an alt-comedy geek as I.
But yeah...
Quote: Matthew Stott @ January 5 2012, 7:08 PM GMTNever heard of a similar thing here.
Really? That's such a shame. It seems like such a great way of doing things.
Well it was always going to be a question on something I actually know a little bit about that would persuade me to de-lurk...
Anyway, Britain doesn't have an equivalent to UCB/Second City in the sense that there are no dedicated improv theatres. There is however a community of improvisers in London (can't speak for elsewhere) resulting in numerous groups that put on shows, teach classes, film sketches etc.
For show listings, general info etc: http://londonimprov.co.uk/
http://www.thecrunchyfrogcollective.com/
For classes, the two groups I've been to (and would recommend to others) are: http://www.the-spontaneity-shop.com/workshops/
http://www.hooplaimpro.com/improv-comedy-workshops-classes.html
None of this is on the same scale or influence as the US organisations - but it's certainly growing fast and producing some excellent performers.
The Footlights is probably the closest we've got, sad to say in this day and age. Even getting your work at the Edinburgh Fringe is not as impressive as it was.