Upcoming Performances

Spontaneous Minds Improv Presents Unserious Business

Wednesday July 16th 7:30-9:30pm
Harrogate Studio Theatre - 6 Oxford St, Harrogate HG1 1QF

Get ready to laugh out loud with Harrogate’s very own hilariously talented improv troupe! Born and bred in the local scene, this group of quick-witted Harrogatonians came together for the joy of laughter—and now, they’re bringing that joy straight to the stage at your local theatre. The night kicks off with fast-paced, side-splitting short-form games, in the style of Whose Line Is It Anyway? and Game Changer. Then, buckle up for a deeper dive into the world of improv as they showcase the Armando—a longer-form format that blends storytelling and comedy in unexpected ways. Come see what this dynamic art form is all about, and prepare for a night of unpredictable, unforgettable fun!

The Cast

Ali

Meet Ali: a self-proclaimed improv addict with a PhD in winging it - does she know what’s going on or not… often not. For years, Ali was behind the scenes at Celador Productions, collaborating closely with comedy legend Jasper Carrott and sharpening her improv chops with the inventive minds at Sprout Ideas. Although her appetite was originally whetted with Niall Ashdown and their work with Comedy Store Players. Then for a time she wrote education material for kids, weaving improv into the curriculum at every opportunity. Now she’s finally stepped into the spotlight—armed with zero rhythm, two left feet, and a lifetime of saying “yes” to it all. Equal parts unshakable and unpredictable, Ali’s the one you want when life throws curveballs… just maybe not on the dance floor.

Becky

Becky was destined for fame the moment she was cast as the star role in her school nativity—literally. Armed with a broom handle, makeshift star, and celestial confidence, she guided not just the wise men but the entire audience on a deeply moving journey, earning raving reviews from the toughest critic in the house: her mum. Now she’s a wedding celebrant, professionally improvising her way through forgotten rings, runaway toddlers, and mid-ceremony meltdowns. Her improv kryptonite? Accents—commitment: 100%, accuracy: negotiable.​

Dan

In his spare time, Dan is an avid rock climber—so he's no stranger to an audience watching as he clings on for dear life. Most of his improv career has been through work with UCL's Blank Slates, however, after a 12-year hiatus from the art, he finally returns, having taken care of some pressing admin tasks like getting married, having two sons, and, of course, scaling rocks. Now that those trivial matters are sorted, he’s back to what really matters: making stuff up on stage. Dan is described by his wife as silly, unpredictable, and in need of instruction, which makes him a great member of the team, but we're not sure what it says about him as a life partner.

Joel

A great aficionado and practitioner of the surreal and absurd, Joel's latest comedy extravaganza Lead Me to the Weird Places was performed last year at the Edinburgh Fringe and was based on his collection of short stories and poems. He improvises in order to commune with the God of Comedy, a bloke called Fred who lives in a basement flat with two dustbins, a piece of chalk, and a manky tom with a limp. Perhaps one day, when you've nothing better to do, we can discuss Fred's strange yet beautiful influence on both our lives whilst gazing at the Moon and eating scotch eggs.

John

A semi-seasoned improviser/comedian (lime and paprika), John has killed it on stage with On The Fly, Richmond Comedy Club, and the elusive Improv Mafia... Speaking of which the police are yet to prove John is The Harrogate Dismemberer, but they’re closing in. When he’s not thumb-twiddling away the hours behind a glowing screen, he makes up the rent difference by dancing on tables in Leeds - which you too can see, for a fee. On July 16th, you will catch a rare glimpse of him, from a safe, respectable distance; kind of like spying on a big cat or a baboon at the zoo.

Kesh

Since his release from a maximum security facility for the criminally comical - Kesh spends his time kindly removing the air from the lungs of his victims; through his work in comedy. This funny felon has done sketch comedy work with Electric Teapots, improv shenanigans with Same Faces and DMU Comedy Society, and has had short lived career in stand up at De Montfort University. Having worked as a mechanic for a haunted animatronic pizza band, a whale whisperer, and a professional fibster in retail - Kesh currently works as a data engineer, while his degree in Media Production sits propping up a falling shelf.

Rachel

Born and bred in London, Rachel came to Harrogate 17 years ago. Without a Tube map to guide her, she’s yet to find the way back to the city. By day, she’s a business professional; by night, she's Rachel McSnack. Through this alter ego she satisfies her silly and creative side and has infiltrated the local improv scene - although the odd spreadsheet still bursts out sometimes. Of course, this is all a farce to cover up her even darker and more terrifying alter ego - Hungry Hungry Rachel; a food maniac who's only passion is food, talking about food, sniffing food, and scheming the next meal while eating the current one… oh, and she loves cats. Cats are the constant. Always cats.​

Steph

​Steph may have officially stepped into the world of improv just last year, but as a seasoned primary school teacher, she’s been improvising daily under high-stakes conditions—handling curveball questions like “What’s the moon made of?” and “Can a dog be a unicorn?” all before her first cup of tea. Now armed with a proper stage and an audience that isn’t under 10, Steph channels her boundless energy and quick wit into comedy. With this delightful new outlet for her non-stop chatter, her family is finally able to get a word (or two) in edgeways—though only just!

Stuart

Stuart was made in Birmingham and spent his childhood years in sunny Devon. After a brief stint as a roof thatcher he qualified in animal behaviour where he learnt how to talk to badgers. He now splits his working life between being a landscape gardener and being a support worker at a learning disability cafe. Stuart has many passions including juggling, fire breathing and ice swimming. But his biggest obsession is undoubtedly improv. He has performed with Otley troupe Made up at the Ilkley Literature Fringe Festival, Leeds improv jam and across Otley. He delivers weekly improv workshops in Otley and at the learning disability cafe.