The Edinburgh International Improv Festival returns this weekend and is back in person for its fourth year.
Those in the crowd at the Scottish Storytelling Centre can expect to see a mix of legendary headliners, performers from around the world and some of the country's best improv talent.
Artistics Director Jason Perez says: “For two years the improv comedy community, like the rest of the world, has had to move online, bringing together new friends, new teams and new opportunities.
"Online improv has allowed for people from Berlin, Glasgow, Paris, Boston, Dublin, and many more cities to come together and form teams with some of the best improvisers around the world.
"We're now excited to bring that online world together in person - in the city of Edinburgh. Where true greats in this artform
will finally come together on the Scottish Storytelling Centre stage."
With lockdown bringing a pause to live events, improv comedy was no different and had to evolve to survive. Shows moved to streaming platforms online, communities kept in touch through Facebook, and well respected teachers and schools, who were previously only available to those with the money to travel, were now on Zoom.
Teasing what crowds can expect this weekend, the team behind the festival say: "To celebrate our return to the stage, we’re partnering up with a school that was born online - World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS).
"Founded by one of the most well respected teachers in improv, Will Hines, we’re bringing WGIS teachers and performers to Scotland.
"As well as being beloved in the improv scene, Will is an established comedic actor who has appeared in Brooklyn 99, Broad City, Conan O’Brien and is a featured voice on many of the most popular comedic podcasts.
"The Scottish improvisation comedy scene is growing year on year, with home grown theatres, shows, and teams appearing in cities across the country. After honing their skills online for the past two years, the festival is a chance for Scottish teams to come together and perform, alongside international teams. This year’s line-up includes teams from Shetland, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
"The Festival offers a programme of educational workshops as well as a full programme of shows including; coaching for our two international ensemble troupes, two open jam nights for anyone to give improv a try, culminating in a final ‘all-star’ performance with special guest, Pippa Evans of Olivier Award Winning Showstoppers: The Musical.
"Dare to be: fearless; bold; playful; unique. Whatever you dare to be, be yourself is this motto for this year's festival, encouraging audiences to come along and try something new."
The festival takes place across the weekend, February 18 - 20. To find out more and for tickets, which start at £8, you can book via www.edimprovfest.com.
