I had a wonderful time this week, to co-hosting TEDxWarrington 2025.

With Co-host, Andrew Thorp, we introduced 18 speakers, 18! I was convinced it was going to over run with that many great talks, and there was some great talks indeed! One in particular that really struck a personal chord (I'll post about that later).

This year was bigger than the last 2 I've bene involved in, had 2 stages and around 300 in the audience at Warrington Youth Zone, converted for the night specially for the red spot.

It's been a long process coming together, and I've had the pleasure of being a part of the whole process, curating the speakers, coaching on humour and hosting. It's an inspiring task, working with Kirsty James and all the other folks that make up small army of volunteers that I've come to know so well since 2022. Several dozen good eggs!

There are so many moving parts on an event like this, and the videos of the talks are still to come!

Can't wait to see the official photos when they come through too. Well done all involved, and much gratitude to be part of it.

Links:
Book John as an event host

The first Greater Manchester Improv Festival was a great success. 16 shows across the weekend with full rooms, entertained audiences and a brilliant community of improvisers coming together to share and perform.

Big thanks to Bron and Sean, and all the other improvisers who volunteered their time. The Kings Arms in Salford was a perfect venue too, with its theatre and studio spaces perfect for both big and intimate shows. 2026 has been confirmed, so see you next year!

This weekend I'll be taking part in and helping out with the first Greater Manchester Improv Festival.

There's so much good improv happening in Manchester, it really does have it's own improv scene. It's also great to the work my pals at The Totally Improvised Comedy have done to get some of the amazing groups together for a weekend of shows.

All the shows are taking place at the lovely Kings Arms Theatre Pub in Salford, from 5pm across the weekend, and it's all under one roof. There are some belting top shows on and some bright new talent too. Check out show's from;

• Drunk Classics
• Murder Inc
• Ladies Who Improv
• Improv on Demand
• The Things You Love
• Dark Peak Adventure Club
• Yoga Goats
• Improvised Musical Galactic Deathmatch
• Shakespeare On The Spot
• Absolute Onions
• The Communimps
• It Will Do You Good

I'll be appearing in The Totally Improvised Musical and Comedysportz

For full listings and tickets, check out www.totallyimprovised.co.uk

Useful Links:

Kings Arms Salford
GMImprov Fest
Drunk Classics Manchester
Murder Inc
Thirsty Productions
My! That Improv
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