About
A dream born 4000 miles from home…
Festival Directors Lloydie James Lloyd and Liam Webber at the first Robin Hood International Improv Festival.
…in the bar at iO Chicago - one of the spiritual homes of longform improv. Nottingham-based improvisers Lloydie and Liam were having a drink with improv powerhouse Stacey Smith when she asked “So when are you two gonna run an improv festival?”. After the pandemic delayed the original festival, in September 2022 the first Robin Hood International Improv Festival happened - with over 100 improvisers from around the world taking part in shows, workshops, and a host of other activities, it grew again in 2023 and we are really excited coming into our 3rd year as a festival!
Why Nottingham?
Nottingham has one of the most vibrant improv and well-established scenes in the UK. For almost 25 years improv has been a mainstay of the local comedy scene - with local groups enjoying residencies at some of the foremost venues in the city from long established venues like The Glee Club and Nottingham Playhouse, to newer spaces like Metronome, the former Nonsuch Studios, and the festival’s new home - Squire Performing Arts Centre.
The Robin Hood Tour - a staple of the festival, where travelling performers and local improvisers can get a free tour of the city by Robin Hood himself!
The Festival’s Vision
“To showcase the best of the world’s improv to Nottingham, and the best of Nottingham’s improv to the world.”
RHIIF is an opportunity for performers from all around the world bring the shows they love to Nottingham, and perform them alongside the phenomenal talent the city and the region has to offer. We bring legendary teachers from overseas and around the UK to run workshops, coach ensembles, and help build a community around the festival. The positive impact of which is felt in the local scene and in every performer who travels here. This isn’t just the circus coming to town - we want to make a tangible difference to the local, UK, and international scene.
We believe that improv should be accessible for everyone. We try to price our shows and workshops in a range which will allow anyone to be a part of the festival. We offer volunteer positions in exchange for show tickets, and have festival ensembles which will allow performers free access to world-class coaching and performance opportunities.
To help offer these opportunities, we accept donations below.