London-based improviser Folusho Falegan has spent nearly a decade finding comedy in everyday life. Known for her grounded, relationship-led style, she performs across three groups: Hoopla house team Michelle, Black-led improv group Do The Right Scene and her Twoprov act Teresa & Folusho. As part of Hoopla Improv Theatre’s 20th anniversary programme, she’s bringing multiple shows to the stage, continuing her work both as a performer and a producer creating space for new voices.
How did you get into comedy?
Falling in love with improv was a happy accident. Years ago, my best friend was gifted a Hoopla beginners’ Improv course and her partner suggested I join her. I knew nothing about improv, but I thought, “why not?” because it felt like a fun way to spend time together over two months. Within the first 15 minutes of that class, I was hooked. I discovered a whole new world that I hadn’t known existed. That one course turned into years of training, performing and eventually joining the teams I’m part of today.
How would you describe your comedy style?
My comedy style is grounded in realism. Across all my work, I’m interested in finding humour in real, recognisable human moments whether that be exploring relationships with parents, bringing to life awkward work dynamics or delving deeper into the whatsapp group chats we all find ourselves a part of. I’m especially drawn to scenes that feel truthful and emotionally grounded, because I think that’s where the strongest connection with an audience happens. For me, the funniest moments often come from something that feels completely real. This comes to life with my Twoprov act ‘Teresa & Folusho’ where we take a boring story from an audience member and use that to inspire grounded, relationship-based scenes that the audience cares about.
Do you have any advice for those starting out
My biggest piece of advice is to find the joy in comedy for yourself first. Not every show will be your best, but if you’re having fun and making yourself laugh, the audience will feel that too. Also, be kind to yourself especially when you’re starting out. It’s easy to replay scenes and think, “I wish I’d said something funnier.” But improv is about letting go. The scene is done, the laughs have happened and there will always be another opportunity. That’s the joy of Improv! If you get stuck in self-critique, it can lead to overthinking and censoring yourself on stage and that’s the opposite of what good improv needs.
What have you been working on?
I’ve been developing Untold Stories, a show I produce with my Twoprov partner Teresa as part of our act Teresa & Folusho. The focus is on creating space for Black female improvisers who are still underrepresented in improv. We structure the show to support both emerging and established performers, combining short-form sets with scenes inspired by the real experiences of our established improv performers. We always try and create a high energy show which is helped by our musical playlist which is curated to highlight fantastic black female musicians. Our next show is on 19th June as part of Hoopla’s 20th anniversary programme and we’re hoping to have a sold out crowd.
Alongside that, I perform with Do The Right Scene, a Black-led troupe centred on representation and storytelling. The show brings in BIPOC guest performers and creates space to explore perspectives and lived experiences that don’t always get reflected on stage. It’s something I really value being part of; on stage experiences that often speak to my cultural experiences specific but still connect widely with the audience.
I’m also a member of Michelle, Hoopla’s house team, where I get to play fast-paced, high-energy scenes with a brilliant ensemble. That gives me a different kind of creative outlet- leaning into quick thinking, strong group dynamics and playful storytelling.
Across all three, I’m really interested in grounded, relationship-led improv that feels true to life, even when the situations are unexpected. It’s been exciting to bring all of that together with performances of Michelle, and Do The Right Scene, and Teresa & Folusho Present Untold Stories as part of Hoopla Improv Theatre’s 20th anniversary programme.
What do you love about improv comedy?
What I love most about improv is the freedom it gives me – it’s a space where I can be playful, spontaneous and fully present. It’s also where I feel most like myself creatively. I get to trust my instincts, connect with people on stage and explore ideas in real time. A lot of my closest friendships have come from improv and that sense of community is a huge part of why I keep coming back to it. And ultimately, I just love the unpredictability of it. I never know whether I’ll be playing a chicken about to lay an egg, a HR manager on edge or someone about to propose, and be rejected, in a Starbucks – and that’s what makes it so exciting.
You can follow all of Folusho’s adventures on social media @untoldstories_tf, @dtrscomedy and @michelleimpro
And tickets to Hoopla Improv Theatre’s 20th Anniversary programme can be found here.
