Spontaneous Theatre + Homegrown Talent
= House of Scouse
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House of Scouse is Liverpool's newest improv initiative dedicated to pioneering large ensemble, spontaneous theatrical improvisation.
Following an application process, 15 participants will be selected for this free training initiative supported by LIF. We are looking to build a dynamic community of both local and regional performers (Greater Merseyside), bringing together a powerful blend of new, emerging, and experienced improvisers of all ages. Our mission is simple: to tell compelling, meaningful stories in a truly theatrical manner. |
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The ensemble is directed by Mark Smith and Jen Hardy, who have been taking their unique spontaneous theatre to festivals across the world. The project's scale is unparalleled, pioneering a unique form of spontaneous theatre that will secure Liverpool's place as a leader in improvised performance.
The group will meets regularly to develop innovative formats, push creative boundaries, and collectively redefine what is possible through collaborative work and play. This will be free for all participants.
This project is a direct evolution of the Liverpool Improvisation Festival (LIF). Now in its fourth year, the festival has established itself as one of the world’s leading boutique improvisation events. LIF acts as an annual hub for all things spontaneous, offering shows and workshops from renowned international, national, and local/regional companies and teachers.
Join us as we write the next chapter of regional LIF and improvised theatre--live, unscripted, and Scouse to the core.
The group will meets regularly to develop innovative formats, push creative boundaries, and collectively redefine what is possible through collaborative work and play. This will be free for all participants.
This project is a direct evolution of the Liverpool Improvisation Festival (LIF). Now in its fourth year, the festival has established itself as one of the world’s leading boutique improvisation events. LIF acts as an annual hub for all things spontaneous, offering shows and workshops from renowned international, national, and local/regional companies and teachers.
Join us as we write the next chapter of regional LIF and improvised theatre--live, unscripted, and Scouse to the core.
Where Local Improv Becomes Large-Scale Theatre.
Aims of the project:
- Elevate Liverpool’s Status in Global Improv: To establish and secure Liverpool's position as a leader in large-ensemble, high-quality spontaneous theatrical improvisation.
- Cultivate Homegrown Talent: To build and sustain a dynamic, skilled community of local and regional improvisers by providing accessible, free, and advanced training opportunities.
- Advance the Art Form: To push the creative and technical boundaries of spontaneous theatre, developing innovative performance formats and fostering compelling, meaningful, and truly theatrical storytelling through collaborative work.
- Provide a Platform: To offer a highly visible and platform for those who are currently not in a team but also for those whoa to develop their practice in an ensemble's environment culminating in a performance at a major international event, thus showcasing the talent developed.
The program concludes with a performance at LIF 2027. This is a pilot project and its aims, objectives, and overall effectiveness will be comprehensively reviewed after its first year of operation.
Quotes on previous work
The work reminded me of Jim Cartwrights ‘Two’ and Caroline Aherne ‘The Royle Family’ – a slice of life made real amongst the buffet. ★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
Talk to the Hand is great fun, highly skilled and very funny. ★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
Improvised theatre at its very best ★★★★★ - At the Theatre
Masterfully combining improvisation, audience participation and comedic storytelling to create a unique theatrical event ★★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
Talk to the Hand is great fun, highly skilled and very funny. ★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
Improvised theatre at its very best ★★★★★ - At the Theatre
Masterfully combining improvisation, audience participation and comedic storytelling to create a unique theatrical event ★★★★★ - The Reviews Hub
Supported financially by LIF
