An opportunity to train with one of physical comedy's leading practitioners

About the workshop

You will experience the creative possibilities of clown work and add variety and freedom to your physical expression on this playful course. Clown work can encourage confidence, develop trust in your impulses, and bring the joy of laughter to your audiences. You'll learn warm-up exercises and explore play tasks, comedy craft, solo and group work.

Lily teaches beginners and those with more clowning experience. Each student receives training at the appropriate level. Beginners are given confidence and shown the way and more established performers/practitioners receive more challenge, are stretched and deepen skills. You will gain experience in solo work and work with others. Come ready to move and with an open mind.

What will I learn on this course?

How to be open and present and to trust impulses and spontaneity

How to use rhythm, simplicity and connection to create magic and laughter for audiences

How to enter the ‘play state’ of clown work

How to add variety and freedom to your physical expression

An understanding of the basics of Comedy Craft

About the workshop leader

Peta Lily is a performer, director, creative mentor and workshop leader. She was at the forefront of thePhysical Theatre Movement in the 80’s and early 90’s. She works at RCSSD, RADA and at LCF on the Costume Design for Performance MA.

She is cited in: Mime into Physical Theatre: A UK Cultural History 1970–2000 by Mark Evans and Simon Murray; Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) and Carlo Boso Routledge 2026 by Peter Jordan and Olly Crick.

Testimonials

‘A fascinating insight into clown taught with intelligence and passion. Incredibly useful and inspiring.’ - Oliver Jones, Director

‘Peta Lily is such a good clown teacher - warm, hardcore and playful all at the same time - skilled like you wouldn't believe.’ - Rufus Hound, West End Actor

‘I discovered so much about myself and the world of clown! The best laugh I had for a long time!’ -Course Participant

Description supplied by the event organiser.