Robin Hood International Improv Festival

Overview

The Robin Hood International Improv Festival (RHIIF) is an international improv comedy festival held annually in Nottingham, England. Created by Nottingham-based improvisers Lloydie James Lloyd and Liam Webber, the festival was born from a conversation at iO Chicago and launched in September 2022, attracting over 100 performers from around the world. The 2026 edition will be its 5th year.

RHIIF's mission is "to showcase the best of the world's improv to Nottingham and the best of Nottingham's improv to the world." The festival programmes a mix of international teachers and new voices alongside UK talent for shows, workshops, coaching sessions, and ensemble building. It is highly selective, accepting roughly 10-15% of applicants, with nearly 150 improvisers participating. The festival is committed to accessibility pricing, offers volunteer positions exchanged for tickets, and provides free festival ensembles with coaching and performance opportunities.

Year-round, the organizers run improv courses and shows in Nottingham under the "Little John Improv" banner, in partnership with Nottingham Playhouse.

Submissions

Teams can apply for 25-30 minute double bill slots or 45 minute to 1 hour headline slots. Individual performers receive one full day of free coaching, ensemble assignment, and a 25-minute performance set. Submission pages were not available as of April 2026.

Sources

• Robin Hood International Improv Festival - Official Website
• Robin Hood International Improv Festival - About
• Robin Hood International Improv Festival - Facebook
• Robin Hood International Improv Festival - Instagram
• Improfestivals - Robin Hood International Improv Festival
• LeftLion - Playing for laughs: we chat to the Robin Hood International Improv Festival