ABOUT
The Atom Improv
The Atom Improv was established in 2021 with a focus on American-style long-form improv comedy, inspired by the stars of shows like Saturday Night Live and Key and Peel. We aim to produce high-quality improvised comedy shows and deliver focused, challenging, but above all FUN improv classes that offer students the opportunity to progress as performers themselves. Whether you’re watching or getting involved, we already have a thriving and dedicated community of students, players and audience members, so what are you waiting for? Come split the comedic Atom!
What is Long-Form Improv?
In simple terms, long-form improv is fully improvised scene work, sketches or narrative pieces, inspired by a suggestion or improvised opening, that is often held together by a practised structure.
Who’s Who
Al Donohoe
Founder, performer, coach
Al Donohoe (he/him) is a Liverpool-based actor, improviser and founder of The Atom Improv. He's been improvising for almost 10 years and, in addition to teaching at The Atom, he teaches improvisation at LMA. He has trained and completed core programs and advanced study with the Upright Citizens Brigade in LA, and taken additional classes with The Free Association in London and Will Hines's WGIS, both online and in person. He has also performed improv across LA, London, Edinburgh, and New York… and even Rhyl (to an audience of one).
He’s appeared on many improv teams and ensemble shows over the years, including The Unscriptables, Some People, Proper Made Up, Long Distance Relationship, Twins, and Regular Job and he can frequently be seen in two of The Atom’s house teams, Stupid and House Guests.
Al is also an actor and can be seen shamelessly selling popular products in commercials, or on stage and screen in shows like Sky Max's Cobra or as Elvis in Ian Salmon's and Naughty Corner's The Comeback Special.
Becky Webb
Performer, coach
Becky is a performer, director, maker and clown.
She has produced shows with her own company, as well as working for companies such as Artemis Productions, Circus Malabaristas, Aardman Animations and Hope Street Ltd.
As an improviser, she has worked with various companies both in the UK and internationally and is one of the organisers of the Edinburgh International Improv Festival, as well as being part of Murder Inc, based in Manchester.
She also works for Inventive Productions, who create immersive theatre experiences, managing and opening their international venues. Becky helps with a large amount of the administrative aspects of The Atom as well as appearing in many of our shows.
Mike Burton
Performer, coach
Mike discovered his passion for improv in 2008 while training with Adam Meggido, founder of Showstopper! The Improvised Musical and The School of Night. Inspired by that experience, he went on to co-create one of the UK's most delightfully bizarre double acts, performing in comedy clubs across the country and enjoying a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Today, Mike performs regularly with The Atom, blending the techniques he learned in 2008 with the sharp, fast-paced style of UCB to create a distinctly bold and theatrical performance style.