Our Story

Our Story

Founded in 2012 by improv veteran Sarah Hansmann, the Guernsey Improbables began as a daring adventure into the world of improvisational theatre. That September, seven brave souls entered St Matthews hall, unsure of what to expect from the first improv course ever run in Guernsey. Their initial curiosity quickly turned into passion, and thus, a new creative collective was born.

By 2014, after inspiring several cohorts of new improvisers, Guernsey Improbables transitioned from an enthusiastic group of performers to a professional troupe, launching to public acclaim. We began performing to packed audiences across the island—venues like the Wicked Wolf, Guernsey Literary Festival, the Sure Festival of Comedy, Chaos Festival, Cobo Bay Hotel, Fermain Tavern, and our current home, the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts.

A highlight came at the end of 2014 when we staged Guernsey's first-ever Improvised Musical. Titled 'Sand Gets in Funny Places', a name spontaneously provided by our audience, this show marked a significant milestone in our journey.

2015 was another standout year as the Guernsey Improbables graced the front page of Guernsey Now magazine, receiving enthusiastic reviews from both the press and the public. 

After a brief hiatus, Guernsey Improbables has returned running sold out workshops and showcase performances at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts. With a growing community of over 100 improvisers, we have proved that even an island of 60,000 people can harbour a thriving hub of creative spontaneity.

What is Improv?

Improv comedy is a form of live theatre where much of what is performed is created spontaneously by the performers, with little to no scripted material. The art of improv relies on a combination of quick thinking, teamwork, and a willingness to dive into the unknown. Each performance is unique, driven by audience suggestions and the dynamic between performers. This creates a thrilling live experience where anything can happen, providing laughter and surprises at every turn.

Our Style: Short Form Improv Comedy

The Guernsey Improbables specialize in short form improv comedy, which consists of quick, game-based scenes that may even involve a competitive edge. One such game, "Sitting, Standing, Kneeling, Lying Down," challenges performers with dynamic physical constraints—no two actors can be in the same position at the same time, creating hilarious and unexpected configurations.

Audience participation is crucial, as they provide the fuel for our scenes with their suggestions—anything from locations and character secrets to styles of film or television. Every show is unique, tailored to the audience of the night, ensuring that no performance is ever repeated.

Get Involved

Whether you’re seeking a night of laughter, interested in learning improv, or want to book a one-of-a-kind performance for your event, the Guernsey Improbables are ready to bring the joy of improv to you. Check us out at our next show at the Princess Royal Centre for the Performing Arts or follow our journey and updates on Facebook.