Women's Improv playground - Comedy Lab presents...

A safe and supportive space for women and non-binary people to explore and expand their improv skills in a fun, collaborative environment.

We recognise that, as performers navigating a traditionally male-dominated comedy landscape, we often adapt our choices based on the roles we feel expected to play. This workshop offers time and space to reflect on those instincts, challenge them, and explore new creative possibilities — all while celebrating the strength and diversity of our voices on stage.

The Women’s Improv Playground brings together improvisers from across the community to strengthen and grow our network of talented women and non-binary performers. It’s about building confidence, deepening our practice, and making room for bold, strange, joyful play.

Come and be bold, be weird, be interesting, be supportive, be big, be open-minded — and be free to play!

This workshop is for women and non-binary people with some level of improv experience — whether you’ve attended jams, taken classes, or performed regularly with a troupe. We won’t be covering the absolute basics, but we will create space for all experience levels to learn, reflect, and experiment.

On Sunday after the workshop, we’ll be sticking around at 33 Oldham Street for an informal social and networking session. It’s a relaxed chance to chat, connect, and reflect on the weekend with your fellow participants. Stick around for a drink, some laughs, and maybe even some new collaborators!

Jen Clarke is a seasoned performer and workshop leader with a passion for making comedy fun, accessible and inclusive. As Co-Director of Absolute Onions, founding cast member of Improv on Demand, cast member of Drunk Classics and all-female troupe Jens and Frens, Jen brings years of experience in live performance, collaborative theatre-making, and nurturing new talent. Her sessions are joyful, welcoming, and packed with playful energy. She is passionate about mental health and wellbeing being embedded in all she does.

Marie Cookson is a writer, performer and theatre maker. As an actor, Marie has appeared in plays, short films, commercials, and worked as a voiceover artist. She is an experienced comedy improviser and has performed long-form improv with ImproQuo and Absolute Onions, and short-form with Jens and Frens. Marie has facilitated various improv workshops, classes and jams and is passionate about improv’s power to boost confidence, wellbeing and community. For more information about her work, go to marielcookson.co.uk

10 hour workshop - Saturday 11 am - 4 pm Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm

Maximum 15 participantsTickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another participant. Also speak to us about limited bursary placements for low income participants on this course at [email protected].

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

33 Oldham Street, 33 Oldham Street, Manchester, United Kingdom