This week Hoof Improv have their monthly show at The Taproom on the 5th of June. The show starts at 8pm and the tickets are £5 – this month why not join them as they are joined by  an array of a number of guests. I caught up with team member Ben to find out all about it.

Hello tell us all about who you all are and a little bit about yourselves?

We’re a London-based long-form improv group. Some of us work full time in showbiz, and some of us have actual proper jobs. One of us is in the Guinness Book of Records for writing the most complained-about advert of all time.

How did the show come about?

We went to see Hoof member Matt Hutson doing a preview of his excellent Edinburgh show at The Taproom last summer. We’d been thinking about putting on a monthly show at some point, but when we saw the room we decided to crack on and do it while they still had a free night. It’s a lovely pub and a really cool, intimate space.

How did your troupe form?

We all met through improv classes at Monkey Toast and the Free Association, but we’d been knocking around the improv scene for a while before we formed Hoof.

Tell us a little bit about the show that’s happening this week?

It’s a monthly night of long-form improv. This week we’ve got two more brilliant guest groups – The Actor’s Nightmare, Holly Mandel from The Grounlings and The Right Kind of Trouble. We’re not tied to any particular improv school, so we book acts that reflect the wonderful variety of styles on the scene. If you want to see the best improv groups in London, Hoof is a good place to start.

What improv styles do you think are most underrated?

I think long-form improv in general is underrated. Until a few years back my only knowledge of improv was Whose Line Is It Anyway?, which I’m sure is true for most people. Then I saw Cariad Lloyd and Paul Foxcroft at the Soho Theatre and it blew my mind. I’d love for improv to attract a more mainstream comedy audience. We’re trying to do our bit by putting on a well-run show with great acts.

What festivals are you guys planning on heading to this year?

I can’t speak for anyone else but I’m going to Citadel. Bear’s Den are on and Gunnersbury Park is about 500 yards from my front door, so I’m really jazzed about it. Did you mean improv festivals? We should do those shouldn’t we. But it’s hard enough getting nine improvisers in the same room for one practice, let alone away for a weekend festival. That being said, I’ve love to do the Del Close Marathon.

It is the month of June – what’s your most memorable character that you have created on stage?

I feel the same way about relating improv scenes as I do about describing dreams. I try not to bore anyone with the details for fear of sounding horribly self-absorbed. But to answer your question, a cockney microbe.

What advice would you give for people thinking about starting an improv troupe themselves?

You don’t just need to form a group with the people you did classes with. Watch shows and think about who you’d love to play with. Aim high. People love being asked to do stuff, and the worst they can say is no thanks.

What is the best thing about a night at your show for the audience?

It’s not just a show, it’s a fun little club. We love it when audience members come back show after show and become part of the gang. Also The Taproom does really lovely beer and banging pizzas.

If people want to find out more about you where can they follow you on social media?

We’re at HoofComedy on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

And Finally in three words – Why should people come and see the show?

Fun. Booze. Pizza.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

What is the strangest thing you’ve ever eaten?

My girlfriend thinks it’s weird that I love cheddar cheese and lemon curd on toast. I don’t. It’s a party in the mouth.

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day who would it be and why?

Lionel Messi. I’d love to know what it feels like to be that good at football.

What would your autobiography be called?

Better Late Than Never.

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Weft.

Favourite film?

Groundhog Day.

Who is your comedy hero and why?

Steve Coogan. Because he’s a consummate comic actor and a brilliant observer of human foibles.

What is your favourite movie quote?

Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here. This is the war room! (Dr Strangelove)

If you could be any flavour of ice cream what would it be and why?

Cilla, I would be lemon curd and cheese. Because I don’t care how many people hate me, as long as I can make at least one person very, very happy.

Currently watching on Netflix?

I don’t have Netflix. I’m catching up on Fleabag.

For Tickets click here