Neil Mullarkey takes his final bow as a Comedy Store Player to sharpen his focus on leadership
After more than 40 years with The Comedy Store Players, Neil Mullarkey marks his final regular Sunday night on stage. The video captures the moment and reflects his continuing work using improvisation to develop leadership, communication and presence in organisations.
On 4 January 2026 Neil Mullarkey stepped onto the stage as a Comedy Store Player for the final time after more than four decades as part of the company that helped define modern British improv.
The moment was celebratory and reflective rather than sentimental. Neil marked 42 calendar years since his first appearance with a typically dry observation: 42, as readers of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will know, is the meaning of life – a neat point at which to change pace.
The night also clarified where Neil’s work is now centred. He explains why the timing felt right: “I teach improv to people to help their communication skills and their leadership skills. That’s what I do Monday to Friday.” After more than four decades on stage his focus is now firmly on applying the discipline of improvisation to real organisational challenges.
For several years Neil has worked with leaders and teams to develop presence, clarity, listening, adaptability and decision-making under pressure. These are not theatrical skills repurposed for business but core leadership capabilities, forged through live performance and now applied in boardrooms, leadership teams and high-stakes conversations.
His decision to step back from regular Sunday performances reflects that reality. The work that once played out weekly on stage now happens every day with organisations navigating complexity, change and human dynamics at work.
That impact was reflected in the testimonials shared on the night. One senior leader described how Neil transformed their presenting skills and went on to work with him at scale, helping prepare hundreds of people across Southampton during the city’s UK City of Culture bid. The focus was on how to show up well with judges, collaborate under scrutiny and communicate with confidence. The result, she said, was lasting change. Neil became “legendary” in the city.
Another attendee spoke about the end of an era for comedy, while pointing clearly to what comes next: gratitude for decades of joy and learning, alongside enthusiasm for Neil’s continuing work in the organisational world.
Even the more personal tributes reinforced the same theme. Long-term collaborators spoke about commitment, trust and consistency over 40 years – qualities as relevant to leadership as they are to ensemble performance.
The evening concluded with a presentation from fellow improv performer Josie Lawrence, marking Neil’s contribution to The Comedy Store Players and the affection in which he is held.
Neil’s decision is simple. Stepping back from regular performances creates space for his leadership work, while still leaving the door open for occasional guest appearances with The Comedy Store Players. After 40-plus years of Sunday nights on stage he is now putting his energy where it has the greatest reach – work with leaders, teams and organisations navigating uncertainty, complexity and change.
Neil’s work with leaders and organisations now forms the core of his practice. To find out more about his leadership and communication work, visit the contact page.