All this month we are talking to acts that are performing at the Liverpool Improv Festival which takes place between May 7th – 10th. We will be speaking to acts every Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30pm on the run up to the festival. Today we speak to Ancestors.

Tell Us about:

Your latest improv show you are bringing to Liverpool Improv Fest ? 

Mark will be working with 12 improvisers from across the world to create Ancestors a new ensemble show for LIF 2026. The idea is inspired through the BBC’s show called House through Time (the first season was in Liverpool). The work explores the families who lived in one house from 1902-present day.  It gives you a snapshot of the lives of these people and insight into the changes across the 20^th century and into the 21st century. 

Your favourite suggestion you have been given?

We used to do a show called A Wake and one of the character suggestions was a powerlifter who volunteered at an Animal shelter. This provoked so many funny scenes which included illegal gerbil racing. 

Your favourite venue to perform at:

There are many but my favourite recently was the Zonnehuis in Amsterdam (Impro Amsterdam).  The whole local area is built around this venue, and I really like that a theatre was the heart of the community. 

Improv hero:

Mick Napier. His book and thoughts on improv are still so refreshing. 

Dream venue to play at:

I would really like to play at the Globe theatre. 

Describe the feeling you get when you walk on stage to do a show:

As the director, I don’t do that. But I am always excited to see what improvisers create and how they react in front of audiences. 

The hardest improv suggestion to perform and why:

I think very often it is the transgressive and or the weird. Both need managing carefully. 

Essential items you always take with you to a show?

I always pack a notebook and pen. I learn so much from others and I like to glean moments that might be useful for me in the future. 

Describe your fans in three words:

Fun, Playful and intelligent. 

What we can look forward to from you this year: 

I am going to some fun festivals in the Autumn as both a director and performer. I am also helping to organise a tour of two amazing improvisers from America, Jonathan Pitts and Diana Brown. I am really excited to see both of their work in the UK. 

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