A New Home for Improv Comedy in the UK

Aim

Help Us Create a New, Permanent Home for Improv and Alternative Comedy in the Centre of London.

For a decade, The Free Association (The FA) has been a home for improvised comedy in London and the UK
We are proud to have touched thousands of lives through our school and theatre - and we want to reach thousands more, for many years to come.

"The FA are prominent players in the booming UK improv scene." - The Guardian

In October 2024, The FA celebrated its 10th birthday, a huge milestone for us, especially given the turbulent post-COVID years. It finally felt like we were getting back on track. Then, two days before our celebration week... We were told that we were losing our beloved venue - the place we had called home for a decade. 

In response, we did what all good improvisers do: we accepted the offer we were given, took a big risk, and stepped into an unknown future.

After months of searching (and a few painful false starts), we are now thrilled to announce that we’ve signed a 10-year lease on an incredible central London comedy venue!

But costs are already skyrocketing - and we need your help to make this venue into something we're all proud to call home for the next decade.

Putting Improv on The Map

This venue is more than just a space—it’s an opportunity to put improv comedy on the map.

Just three minutes’ walk from Southwark tube, we'll be in an unbelievable location - rubbing shoulders with The National Theatre, the Vics (Young and Old), The Globe… and other places that use these things called “scripts.”

With this venue, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase improv to a wider audience than ever before. It’s finally time for improvisers to play on stages that aren’t hidden above pubs.

Please, Help Us Make This a Reality.

Works are well underway, but costs are mounting - and we need your help to turn our vision into a reality.

Our community means everything to us: students, alumni, performers and audiences. We want to create a space that  we can all be proud to call home.

We’re building:

• A theatre with ‘wow factor’ - a fully air conditioned performance space, hosting everything from student showcases to all-star performances. A space that audiences, friends, agents, promoters and industry professionals will come to and experience what we do.
• A bar and social space for comedians and creatives. A space to write during the day, hunker down in central London, meet friends before class (no need to buy a drink), and hang out before, during or after shows.
• An air-conditioned, purpose-built classroom that’s bright, modern and fully equipped.

We want to create a venue that frames improv as a professional, respected art form-on par with theatre, stand-up and musicals. Like we all know it should be.

The Challenges

We’ve already been hit with unexpected costs - and we’re expecting more. Commercial building projects come with a lot of expensive complications, and hoops that need jumping through.

• The theatre is under a railway arch, which means we can’t fix anything into the brick walls - a “fun” challenge that’s already created issues with building layout, and resulting in some not-so-fun expenses .
• We have extra licensing requirements to meet: extra toilets and an extensive CCTV system to name a few.
• Our new theatre is accessible, but the upstairs area is not - We need to upgrade our facilities downstairs to create a welcoming space where people can grab a drink and wait for the show or class.
• There are consultants’ fees for jobs we didn’t even know existed. It’s amazing just how many people need to be involved in a project like this. 

This isn’t just about money. (OK, it’s largely about money.) But we’re about to take a big step into the unknown - and there are many ways you can help us along the way.

The Ways That You can help

1) Donate

Please consider donating anything you can spare. We understand times are tough, but even small donations add up - and are graciously received. We’ve added some perks below to say thank you.

2) Skill Share

Are you a social media influencer? Producer? Videographer? Photographer? Sign painter? PR exec? Have you actually launched an improv theatre?

...Can you hold a paintbrush!?

We’re always blown away by the talent in our community. If you’re interested in donating your skills to make this a success, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected].

3) Buy a ticket to a show or book a class!

Support us by booking onto an upcoming class, or joining us at a show!

4) Share this Project

If you're not in a position to donate or volunteer, please consider sharing this campaign with your friends or family.

...or do all four? Don’t let us tell you what to do.

Who are We?

For over a decade The Free Association (The FA) has been one of the best places to watch and learn Improv in London.  We are proud to have touched thousands of lives with our work.

From day one, our mission has been clear:
To elevate the art form, push boundaries, and show the world how great improv can be.

Improvisation is being in the present. It’s making it up as you go along - with nothing but your own brain and the brains of your teammates to guide you. No scripts. No pre-planned routines, gags, or bits. Just listening, supporting each other, and responding moment to moment. It’s also stupid amounts of fun - and an amazing way to discover community and lifelong friends.

Our theatre showcases the best improvised comedy in the UK. We’ve created original shows that have played some of London’s most prestigious venues and host a regular programme supporting grassroots performers - from student shows and new teams to professional productions and household names.

Our school teaches thousands of people each year the principles of improvisation, comedy writing, and other performance skills.

Our business training brings the fundamentals of improv - communication, collaboration, and creativity - to companies around the world through our programme 'The Idea Friendly Environment'.

We’re proud to offer a low-cost entry into the entertainment industry through our training and performance opportunities. People who work with us often go on to meet their creative partners. They collaborate, create, and are empowered to make their own work.

You can find out more about us and our impact at www.thefreeassociation.co.uk

We implore you:
If improv has touched your life in any way, please consider donating to our new venue and help us bring that joy to thousands more over the next decade.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made