The Free Association

Watch great comedy
Learn how to do it
Stay forever

Watch a show → Take a class

As seen in

The FA are prominent players in a booming UK improv scene right now.

The theatre

Watch a show

Our stunning Southwark theatre programmes the best improv and alternative comedy in London, every week. Catch our own home-grown shows alongside the finest visiting companies, and see top talent – as well as emerging stars – take to the stage.

Wednesday 5 Aug 8:30pm

Info & Tickets from £14.00

Thursday 6 Aug 7:00pm

Info & Tickets from £5.00

Thursday 6 Aug 8:30pm

Info & Tickets from £14.00

Friday 7 Aug 7:00pm

Info & Tickets from £12.00

Cold Cuts Presents The Big American Improv Show

Friday 7 Aug 8:30pm

Info & Tickets from £14.00

Fabled: The Improvised Fantasy Adventure

Saturday 8 Aug 7:00pm

Info & Tickets from £14.00

Saturday 8 Aug 8:30pm

Info & Tickets from £17.00

Sunday 9 Aug 6:30pm

Info & Tickets from £17.00

See what’s on →

The school

Learn comedy

The Free Association is London’s home for improv. For over 10 years we’ve been staging the best unscripted comedy – and teaching people how to do it properly. But our training goes beyond improv alone: we have a range of classes that will all make you funnier.

Tasters · Level 1-3 · Narrative · Organic · Premise

Improv classes

Start with a 2-hour taster class, or follow our Foundation Course, from total beginner to performing in front of a live audience. Our Performance Pathways develop you performing, while our drop-ins and workshops help you hone particular skills.

Explore improv classes →

Writing · Sketch · Clown · Stagecraft

Other comedy classes

Improv runs through our veins, but it isn’t all we teach here. We also offers courses and workshops in writing, sketch, stagecraft, clowning and more – always delivered by working professionals at the top of their game.

See other comedy classes →

Explore all our classes → Book a Taster Class

“The FA is a really special place. The highest quality of show... packed full of brilliant, talented performers who will leave you on a laughter-high. ”

Google Review

↑ Your team could do this

Improv for business

Book corporate training

We help teams communicate and innovate better, think faster, and collaborate more effectively – thanks to the same improv techniques our performers use on stage.

Discover improv for business →

About us

Meet The Free Association

Founded in 2014, we’ve taught thousands of students, programmed hundreds of shows, and produced award-winning alumni. We are absolute nerds about improv – and we think it’s one of the most useful and joyful things a person can do.

Learn more about us →

10+

Years running

5000+

Students taught

100s

Shows programmed

4.9

Google rating

Alumni

Some of our former students

You might recognise some of the people who have studied at The Free Association. Our alumni have gone on to perform and write across stage and screen, from major TV shows and Netflix specials to West End productions and award-winning films.

Ambika Mod

Actor – One Day, This Is Going to Hurt

Ritu Arya

Actor – Doctors, The Umbrella Academy, Paris Has Fallen

Phil Wang

Comedian – Taskmaster, Live at The Apollo, Netflix Special

Kate Herron

Director – Loki, The Last Of Us

“An incredible hub of vibrancy, talent, imagination and hard work. A place for a great night out with friends or to explore your own creativity.”

Google Review

The blog

Watch great comedy
Learn how to do it
Stay forever

Watch a show