Laugh Your Way Through Uni: Comedy & Improv Groups in the UK, USA, and Australia/NZ

Laugh Your Way Through Uni: Comedy & Improv Groups in the UK, USA, and Australia/NZ 

Think university is all essays and late-night cramming? Think again. For many students, the most unforgettable part of uni life happens off the syllabus — on stage, under a spotlight, with a mic (and maybe a wig or two).

Welcome to the world of university comedy and improv - where quick wit, creative minds, and total chaos come together for something truly magical (and hilarious).

Whether you’re dreaming of being the next Tina Fey or just want to try something new, here’s everything you need to know about comedy and improv societies at university in the UK, USA, and Australia/New Zealand.

What Are Uni Comedy & Improv Groups All About?

Comedy and improv groups at university are student-run societies or performance clubs where you can:

• Write and perform sketches, stand-up, or satirical news

• Practice improvisation (unscripted comedy based on audience prompts)

• Put on shows, compete in festivals, and tour

• Build confidence, timing, and teamwork skills

• Meet some of the most creative (and weirdly wonderful) people on campus
  
  

You don’t need experience to join - just a good attitude and the courage to give it a go.

Comedy & Improv in the UK

The UK has a rich tradition of university comedy, with many of today’s stars - including Stephen Fry, Olivia Colman, and Richard Ayoade - getting their start in student sketch shows.

Famous Uni Comedy Groups:

• Cambridge Footlights – Legendary. Alumni include Monty Python, Emma Thompson, and David Mitchell.

• Oxford Revue – Another iconic troupe with a sharp wit and strong Edinburgh Fringe presence.

• Durham Revue – Touring sketch comedy with national recognition.

• Leeds Tealights, Edinburgh Revue, and Bristol Revunions – All well-known for creative student shows.
  
  

What to Expect:

• Weekly workshops (writing, improv, performance)

• Open mic nights and comedy jams

• Annual sketch shows and Edinburgh Fringe runs

• Collabs with drama, music, and media societies
  
  

Comedy & Improv in the USA

American universities are hotbeds of improv, sketch, and stand-up. Think SNL, The Office, or Broad City - many of those stars started in college troupes.

Top College Comedy Groups:

• Harvard’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals – One of the oldest collegiate comedy institutions.

• Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) roots in NYU and Columbia performances.

• The Groundlings in LA often train student performers from UCLA, USC, etc.

• Yale Exit Players – Known for smart, satirical improv.

• Northwestern University – Feeds into Chicago’s Second City, with alumni like Stephen Colbert.
  
  

What to Expect:

• Campus-wide shows and festivals

• “Harold” improv nights, long-form and short-form games

• Comedy writing workshops (some unis even offer it as a course!)

• Touring opportunities, including national improv competitions
  
  

Comedy & Improv in Australia & New Zealand

The comedy scene down under is growing fast - with many students getting involved in uni comedy before heading to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival or NZ International Comedy Festival.

Notable Uni Groups:

• Melbourne Uni Law Revue and Science Revue – Known for clever, niche humour and big audiences.

• Sydney Uni Revue – A tradition of hilarious, high-quality sketch shows.

• University of Auckland Comedy Club – Improv, stand-up, and student showcase nights.

• Victoria University of Wellington – Hosts student improv nights and open mics.
  
  

🎭 What to Expect:

• Live sketch comedy, often themed by faculty (law, med, arts)

• Improv training and workshops open to beginners

• Festival entries and student comedy competitions

• Tight-knit, supportive comedy communities
  
  

Why Join a Comedy or Improv Group?

Here’s why it’s more than just a laugh:

• Confidence – Public speaking, thinking on your feet, and stage presence
• Creativity – Writing original material, coming up with jokes or scenes
• Community – Find your people and have fun in the process
• Professional Pathways – Many members go on to careers in media, acting, writing, or entertainment
• Stress Relief – Let’s be honest… laughter is great for your mental health!

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a future Netflix star, a witty writer, or someone who just loves making people laugh, uni comedy and improv groups are a brilliant way to get involved, express yourself, and meet some of the funniest people you’ll ever know.

From the lecture hall to the laughter hall - your next best uni memory might just start with a joke.