Today we speak to Isabelle Glinn, who has recently debuted the show Isabelle Glinn On Ice at Edinburgh Fringe and is now bringing it to London. The show is heading to Hoopla Impro in London Bridge on the 30th September 7:30pm. Today we find out all about it.
Hello! Tell us about yourself?
Hi! I’m a clown, actor and improviser based in London. I just debuted my clown show Isabelle Glinn On Ice (which was shortlisted for the Komedia Award for Alternative comedy at Brighton Fringe 2026) at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I’m also a cast member of fringe sell-out show CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation and regularly perform and teach at Hoopla Impro. I’m an alumna of the Soho Theatre Cabaret and Drag Lab which is where my solo comedy career began.
Tell us a bit about the show Isabelle Glinn On Ice
Isabelle Glinn On Ice is a musical clown show entirely on ice – you’ll have to come and watch the show to see how I can make that claim on a very limited budget! The show follows a fallen child figure skating starlet who now drives the Zamboni at the ice rink.
It is very loosely based on true events. As a child I figure skated and was also a dedicated rule follower – one of these I did to a more professional level than the other! I use physical comedy, audience interaction and catchy original songs to bring the audience with me on my journey to freedom, always with a very warm quality, despite the ice.
How are rehearsals going?
The rehearsals never end! I created this show over the course of about a year and a half and it continues to evolve. Every show I do I discover something – a thing to add in, a thing to discard, a small revelation. The audience are so wise!
What can you tell us about the stage set?
My set is very minimal – in Edinburgh my venue was a shipping container so this was essential! I use a select few costumes and props in the show including a huge oversized puffer coat and gift wrapped bunch of flowers which are displayed onstage throughout and help to bring us into the world of the show visually.
What is the most challenging thing about doing the show?
Steps. A raised stage. Any terrain that isn’t smooth. Without giving away too much, there is a recurring physical bit in the show which is very much hindered by any non-flat surface. I say it’s challenging, but it’s actually very fun to play with!
The best thing about touring the show?
Although Isabelle Glinn On Ice is yet to tour, I have performed this show in several different venues and one of the best things is figuring out how to connect with the audience in a new space.
Every space is different and I love figuring out in real time how to use any quirks the room might have. The Caroline of Brunswick in Brighton has some amazing curtains at the side of the stage which I loved playing with for the entrance and exit of a surprise character in the show!
What have been some of the best highlights since doing the show?
So many! In Edinburgh I loved it when an ice skating family came to the show. The mum was an ice hockey player and the daughter was a figure skater – iconic!
A lovely audience member enjoyed the show so much he returned for a second time bringing his entire family which was so special! Also, there is some call and response singing in the show and one time the audience sang the entire chorus back to me with no prompt – they remembered it from earlier in the show! This made me so happy!
what is the best reaction you have had from an audience member?
During the show I ask some audience members what they think the thing is that I am miming and in one show a woman confidently and so specifically said ‘Skoda’. The audience loved it and we kept returning to it throughout the whole show – absolute gold!
If people want to follow you on social media where can they find you?
My instagram is @isabelleglinn
Finally in three words why should people come to your show?
It’s on ice!
Welcome to The Phoenix Remix 
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