In conversation with Tom Machell, Improvisation Course Tutor

We caught up with Tom, an actor and writer who teaches on our Improvisation short courses. He gives us a flavour of what you can expect and what he’s most looking forward to on this autumn's course.

Tell us about yourself and your career

I am an actor, writer and award-winning comedy performer.

I’m currently writing and performing the second series of my BBC Radio 4 comedy series Tom and Lauren are Going OOT with Lauren Pattison and Julian Clary. On screen, my credits include Daddy Issues (BBC), Emmerdale (ITV), Vera (ITV), Hullraisers (Channel 4), and regular appearances in The Emily Atack Show (ITV) and Every Blank Ever (Comedy Central). I made my Off-Broadway debut in the Carol Tambor Award-winning Life According to Saki. Other theatre credits include the Offie-nominated Outlying Islands (King’s Head Theatre), Hand To God (English Theatre Frankfurt) and three runs of the Guinness World Record-holding News Revue.

As a writer, I’m a BAFTA CONNECT member and winner of Best Short Script at the UK Film Festival, Los Angeles Motion Picture Film Festival and Changing Face International Film Festival for A Spoonful. I wrote and starred in the Channel 4 comedy short Junior Doctors Padz (with North East Comedy Hot House) and I also create work with my award-winning troupe zazU, who have had four sell-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe and Soho Theatre.

My debut play Ticker was published by PlayDead Press and premiered at the Underbelly, Edinburgh Fringe, before touring to venues across the UK to critical acclaim.

What can participants expect from Improvisation: Level 1?

Play and fail! We live in a world where we get very little time to play and, more importantly, to fail. This autumn, you will have two hours a week to do both. 

Who is this course for?

The course is for anyone and everyone who wants to take a deep dive into the world of improvisation. Whether you’re completely new to it or already have some experience, improv offers an inclusive and supportive space where all voices are welcome.

What benefits will participants get from the course?

Improvisation isn’t just for performers — it’s a powerful tool that can support you in many areas of life. If you’re feeling stuck in the workplace, struggling with confidence or looking for ways to boost creativity, improv can open up new approaches to thinking and communicating. It builds confidence, improves listening skills, strengthens teamwork and encourages you to think on your feet. This course will give you the chance to play, connect and experiment in a safe environment, while developing skills you can carry into both your personal and professional life. Above all, improv is about saying “yes”, embracing the unexpected and having fun.

What are you most looking forward to about the course?

The participants! We always get such interesting people from different backgrounds and cultures. Watching their confidence grow over the six weeks makes running this course so rewarding.

Thank you to Tom for taking the time to speak to us. Improvisation: Level 1 runs Tuesday evenings 23 September – 28 October. Book your place now.