All this month we are celebrating acts that you need to look out for in 2025. Today we speak to Tom Machell and Fred Lancaster about their up and coming lessons they are teaching at Guildhall this year from Wednesday 22 January – 12 March.

Hello, tell us all about yourself!

Tom I’m Tom Machell, an actor, and award-winning writer/performer hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne. I’ve worked across Theatre, TV, Film, and Comedy.

Fred: I’m a former professional actor and experienced teacher, director and workshop leader. I work in schools, universities, and conservatoires across the UK, USA, and Europe. Alongside this, I run my own acting coaching business, and am an educational consultant for an exciting new startup – ORCA-LAB.

How was 2024 for you?

Tom 2024 was a great year. My Debut Radio 4 series ‘Tom and Lauren are going OOT’ premiered which I co-wrote and star with comedian Lauren Pattison. I continued working as an ambassador for the amazing charity Suicide and Co.

Fred: 2024 was a whirlwind! It was full of growth, challenges, and some exciting creative projects that pushed me out of my comfort zone. It felt like a year of meaningful collaboration with students, peers, and other professionals. Teaching improvisation with Tom was, as always, a highlight—it’s inspiring to see participants unlock their creativity and discover new possibilities for themselves.

What were the top 3 highlights for you?

Tom

1. Premiering a workshop of a new play and seeing audiences connect with it
2. The debut of my BBC Radio 4 sitcom!
3. Working with new collaborators for future TV Film and theatre projects.

Fred:

1. Leading on new creative projects and watching them grow into something truly impactful.
2. Collaborating on workshops that combined acting, improvisation, and storytelling in fresh new ways.
3. Seeing former students step into the spotlight in productions across the UK and Europe.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

Tom The power of persistence. Whether it’s crafting a story, advocating for mental health, or nailing an improv scene, showing up with focus and consistency makes all the difference.

Fred: Finding comfort in uncertainty – Adaptability is key, whether you’re teaching a class, leading a team, or performing on stage. Every group, scene, or moment presents unique challenges, and embracing those challenges with joy and curiosity can help you find something unexpected and magical.

What are your plans for 2025?

Tom In 2025, Tom and Lauren are back for Season 2, refining my next play, and continuing to teach improv at Guildhall School. I’m also developing my debut Feature Film with exciting collaborators.

Fred: 2025 is about building on momentum – developing the projects I’m currently involved in, and diving into some new creative ventures I’ve been dreaming about.

Tell us about the improv lessons you are teaching this year!

Tom This year, I’m running improv workshops aimed at performers of all levels, focusing on character development, storytelling, and creating bold, dynamic scenes. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone and having fun while doing it.

Fred: In 2025, I’ll be leading Improvisation Level 2 with the marvellous Tom Machell at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The course is designed for those with some experience, focusing on advanced scene work, narrative-building, and refining quick-response skills. It’s a space for improvisers to challenge themselves while having a lot of fun! 

What is the link if people want to sign up?

Tom You can find more information and sign up here: https://www.gsmd.ac.uk/study-with-guildhall/short-courses-summer-schools/find-a-short-course-or-summer-school/improvisation-level-2

What styles do you hope to see more of in improv this year?

Tom I’d love to see more long-form narrative improv and experimental formats that push boundaries. Improv has so much potential to merge comedy, drama, and absurdity in fresh ways.

Fred: I’d love to see more long-form and narrative-driven improv, as well as experimental formats that challenge conventional expectations. Musical improvisation, like Showstopper! is another area of improv I love watching—it’s captivating when done well.

What improv act is your ‘one to watch’ in 2025 and why?

Tom I’d say The Free Association are pulling out some great players and shows, they have a venue in East London, you should go and check out a show. 

Fred: The Degrees of Error troupe, known for their murder mystery show Murder, She Didn’t Write, is a standout. Their work highlights just how versatile and entertaining improv can be​!

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? If so, what are they?

Tom To take more risks in my creative work and to carve out time for personal passions outside of writing and performing.

Fred: To embrace more of a playfulness mindset in work and life, say “yes” to new creative opportunities, and prioritise balance – oh, and to stop eating cereal for desert!

Are you on social media?

Tom @tommach for everything and Radio 4 series is here – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/m0021xqj

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Tom Consitancy. Inventive. Unpredictable.

Fred: Playful. Bold. Memorable. 

Photographer – @bypip and Harry Livingstone

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