Improv Is "Yoga for Soft Skills", SNL UK Is Changing British Comedy and Why Every Creative Should Do Improv (Even If You're Terrified) | Steve Roe, Hoopla Improv
Steve Roe founded Hoopla Improv above a pub in Balham 20 years ago. Today it's one of London's most beloved comedy institutions — and the improv school quietly behind some of the biggest names in British comedy, including members of the SNL UK cast and writing team.
In this bonus episode of The Business of Show Business, Jamie sits down with Steve to talk about building a culture-led arts business from scratch, why improv is one of the most underrated career skills you can have, and what the arrival of SNL UK means for the UK comedy and improv scene.
In this episode:
- How Hoopla grew from a free pub drop-in to a London-wide improv institution
- Why SNL UK reached out to Hoopla — and what happened next
- Improv as "yoga for soft skills" (and why corporates are catching on)
- The myth of the impoverished artist — and why it's holding creatives back
- How social media and TikTok are reshaping British comedy
- Why the Edinburgh Fringe is no longer the only path
- Hoopla's 20th Anniversary Festival: April–July 2025
- How to start improv even if you're absolutely terrified
🎟️ Find out more about Hoopla's 20th Anniversary Festival: hooplaimprov.com
🎙️ The Business of Show Business is the podcast for performers, creatives, and entertainment industry professionals who want to understand how the business really works — from the inside.
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