When you think “improv comedy”, your mind probably jumps to sweaty palms, awkward silences, and pretending to be a talking lamp. But now add Orlando Bloom and Bryce Dallas Howard into the mix, and you’ve got something seriously surreal.

I was invited to take part in an improv comedy masterclass at The Comedy Store in Soho, hosted by the legendary Neil Mullarkey, who has worked with everyone from Eddie Izzard to Mike Myers. But this wasn’t just any Tuesday night comedy gig. This was a special experience inspired by the new action-comedy film Deep Cover, which features The Comedy Store itself as a major setting in the movie.

Armed with only my wits (and a vague idea of what a “yes, and” is), I stepped into a world of quick thinking and ridiculous scenarios, surrounded by fellow brave souls… And then bam, in walked Orlando Bloom, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Nick Mohammed. The crowd erupted, and suddenly I was doing improv games in front of actual Hollywood royalty. No pressure.

Whether I was miming a dead trapeze artist or awkwardly pitching a back tattoo business with my mate Jack Atkins, it was one of the most hilariously chaotic nights of my life. And yes, I laughed so hard at one point you could see right into my soul (via my wide open mouth). Big shoutout to Amazon Prime for this unforgettable experience. I’m now ready to become the next cast member of Whose Line Is It Anyway (or at least… the warm-up act).

But the fun didn’t stop there…

Deep Cover: The Film Behind the Funny

The reason we were all there? Deep Cover, the brand-new British action-comedy making its world premiere at SXSW London at the Barbican Centre. The film stars Orlando Bloom as a washed-up actor who’s forced to go undercover in a real-life crime syndicate, all to research a potential career comeback role. Bryce Dallas Howard plays a whip-smart improv teacher who definitely doesn’t have time for his nonsense, and Nick Mohammed rounds out the trio with his signature deadpan brilliance.

Blending big laughs with spy-thriller action, Deep Cover is packed with twists, disguises, and high-stakes hilarity, including scenes shot at The Comedy Store itself, which made our improv masterclass feel like we were stepping straight into the film.

The movie is directed by Tom Kingsley (Stath Lets Flats) and written by Colin Trevorrow, Derek Connolly, Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen. It’s a love letter to British comedy, packed with high-octane action, heart, and just the right amount of chaos.

Deep Cover premieres this month on Amazon Prime Video, and judging by the premiere’s electric atmosphere, and the stars’ commitment to the comedy craft, this one’s going to be a must-watch.

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the explosions, or to see Legolas attempt stand-up comedy, Deep Cover might just be your new obsession. And me? I’ll be telling people for the next ten years that Orlando Bloom once watched me pretend to be a rogue doctor with a love of vanilla ice cream.