Lee Simpson News

Improbable today announces three new projects: a theatrical show - Lost Without Words; a participation project - Impro For Elders; and a move to Bristol for Devoted and Disgruntled 12. 

New work by Inua Ellams, Ya?l Farber, DC Moore, Lindsey Ferrentino and Nina Raine is announced today by Rufus Norris, Director of the National Theatre. Four world premieres and two European premieres are further announced as forthcoming productions for the National Theatre in 2017.  

Improbable has today announced the appointment of Ben Monks as Executive Director. Monks joins Improbable from his current position as producer for Supporting Wall, having co-founded the company in 2008. Monks will work closely with Artistic Directors Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson, as Rachael Williams leaves the company after three years in the position. Joining Improbable in September 2016, Ben Monks will be integral to marking the company's upcoming 21st anniversary year and new programme of work, soon to be announced.

An Actor's Revenge: Theatre of Blood at The Alley Theater in Louisville

Epic Pictures Group will release SPACE DOGS: ADVENTURE TO THE MOON in select cities on August 26, National Dog Day.  The film is the sequel to the beloved global hit Space Dogs 3D, which grossed over $30M worldwide.  The announcement was made today by Epic Pictures Group CEO Patrick Ewald and Co-Founder Shaked Berenson. 

The LA Phil's Hollywood Bowl production of A Chorus Line opening July 29 -31 for three performances has been in full tilt rehearsals since last week and BroadwayWorld's own Michael Sterling was there to talk to the stars and get a sneak peek at what audiences can expect on the legendary Hollywood Bowl's massive stage.

On August 26th 2016, otherwise known as National Dog Day, get ready for the journey of a lifetime with the "Space Dogs: Adventure to the Moon"!

Now in its 11th year, Latitude Festival once again sets the bar high for summer festivals with the largest comedy line up in the UK, offering festival goers an unrivalled opportunity to see some of the biggest names in the industry, all over the same weekend.

Rehearsals start this week for Opening Skinner's Box, a new production adapted by Improbable and marking 20 years since the company's inception. Directed by Phelim McDermott and Lee Simpson, co-founders of Improbable, this production will play at Northern Stage, West Yorkshire Playhouse and the Bristol Old Vic. Previewing from 22 April at Northern Stage.

After a decade in London, Improbable's Devoted & Disgruntled (D&D) annual event will take place at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Arising from a desire to be more national, available and accessible to people from across the UK, the idea to relocate has been under consideration since the hugely successful D&D Road Show in 2012.

Paul Merton and his highly acclaimed Impro Chums are wonders of nature. They take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter. The Impro Chums are Paul Merton, Suki Webster, Richard Vranch, Lee Simpson and Mike McShane.

Acclaimed American improv stars The Pajama Men are the latest big name signings to be anounced for the eighth annual 50-Hour Improvathon, this coming weekend in London.

?Following the publication of his autobiography, Only When I Laugh, and over a decade of sell-out seasons at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Paul Merton will take to the road again in 2015 with his world renowned Impro Chums. Paul and his Chums are wonders of nature. They take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter… Most of the time.

?Following the publication of his autobiography, Only When I Laugh, and over a decade of sell-out seasons at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Paul Merton will take to the road again in 2015 with his world renowned Impro Chums. Paul and his Chums are wonders of nature. They take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter… Most of the time.

Paul Merton returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this year with his world renowned Impro Chums. Paul and his Chums are wonders of nature. They take audience suggestions and create cascades of fantastic tumbling laughter... Most of the time. Paul's Impro Chums are Mike McShane, Lee Simpson, Richard Vranch and Suki Webster and together they will create a new and unique comedy show every single night, based entirely on suggestions from the audience, their own finely honed improvisational skills and an almost manic compulsion to show off.

What do you get when a born freak, a former beauty queen, and an award-winning maverick director take on a classic romance? From today, March 13-­31, Abrons Art Center will present Beauty and the Beast, starring Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz, directed by Improbable's Phelim McDermott. Fraser, the consistently inventive, provocative and entertaining British disabled actor/writer and Muz, the Downtown NYC performance legend and former Miss Coney Island, breath complexity and life into the eponymous characters, weaving an adult fairytale like no other.

What do you get when a born freak, a former beauty queen, and an award-winning maverick director take on a classic romance? From March 13­31, Abrons Art Center will present Beauty and the Beast, starring Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz, directed by Improbable's Phelim McDermott. Fraser, the consistently inventive, provocative and entertaining British disabled actor/writer and Muz, the Downtown NYC performance legend and former Miss Coney Island, breath complexity and life into the eponymous characters, weaving an adult fairytale like no other.

What do you get when a born freak, a former beauty queen, and an award-winning maverick director take on a classic romance? From March 13-31, Abrons Art Center will present Beauty and the Beast, starring Mat Fraser and Julie Atlas Muz, directed by Improbable's Phelim McDermott.

Over its 17 year history, the revival production of Chicago has had its share of ups and downs, but if the current tour is any indication, the show's back on an upswing. If you've been unfortunate enough to see a lesser cast of Chicago in the past, you owe it to yourself to catch the current tour.

Following an extensive tour of the UK and a season in London's West End in Out Of My Head - his first stand up show for over 12 years - Paul Merton will be setting out on a brand new tour this autumn with his world renowned Impro Chums and some special guests.