The Free Association presents
12–16 May 2027
London · five days · two stages
London’s big improv festival is back. Big headliners, big guests, and the late shows you’ll only see at a festival.
The festival
five days of the biggest improv in london
Big Scene brings the best improvisers from the UK and beyond to two stages in Southwark for five nights in May. There are house teams, visiting companies, musicals and one-off collaborations, plus late-night shows that only happen at a festival.
By day there are workshops from the people on the bill. At night there’s the bar.
Take part
want to play big scene?
Applications for 2027 open on 23 November. We’re looking for teams, duos, solo shows, musicals and workshops, from first-timers to old hands. It’s one form for both stages.
- teams
- duos
- solo shows
- musical improv
- workshops
- 123 Nov 2026Applications open
- 2Date TBCApplications closeWe read every one and reply to everyone.
- 3January 2027Line-up announced
- 4March 2027Tickets on saleFA members get first dibs
- 512 May 2027Doors open
Last time at Big Scene
The most fun I’ve had in a theatre all year. I went for one show and stayed for four.
An audience member, Big Scene 2026Where
two stages, one festival
The Free Association
The Big Stage. Arch 26, Old Union Yard Arches, SE1 0LR: the festival hub, with the box office and a bar open until late.
The Union Theatre
The Scene Stage. Arch 23, right next door: 80 seats and a bar until 11pm.
faq
Tickets, access, getting there, and what “improv” actually means.
Read the FAQ →stay in the loop
Hear first when the line-up drops and pre-sale opens. Big Scene news only, a few emails a year.
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