Who could benefit from this course?
- Clown performers keen to enrich the aesthetic and poetic world of their clown.
- People interested in the deeper message behind the comedy.
- Theatre makers wanting to explore metaphors, imagery, symbolic language, object journey, and poetic world.
- People working in applied theatre or theatre activism keen to explore the empowering and healing powers of the clown. Clowning as an act of resistance and resilience.
- Theatre makers keen to facilitate spaces and/or create shows involving people who might find verbal communication difficult.
How does it work?
Emotions are often far too big to fit into words no matter how hard you squeeze and you push... So clowns developed another language full of metaphors, visual poetry, unconventional languages, music and silence - of course. We will go to their language school and will explore playing with words, object journeys and visual comedy & poetry around chosen themes. We will also have a look at what is meant to be invisible: transitions between characters or states, especially in solo shows. We will celebrate these moments of change and growth and find the comedy and poetry in these 'in-between' spaces to incorporate them as highlights of our creations. And of course, we will explore various games and tools to help stimulate imagination and generate devising material.
What do you gain?
- As a facilitator/teacher you will gain tools to overcome language barriers and create more accessible spaces. You will also take away games that spark playfulness and improve well-being by helping people escape reality and unlock their imagination.
- As a performer / theatre maker you will give yourself tools to revisit your work through a visual & poetic lens that will enhance both the deeper message and the comedy within your show. You will learn devising games and directing tricks such as poetic language, object journey and transition work.
Dates, Times & Cost
Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November, 2026
11:00am - 5:00pm
Studio 1 (upstairs) at The Cockpit
£125 early bird (book by 9 November)
£140 regular price
Instalment plans are available for courses £75 and above.
Check out the other workshops in our Theatre Maker programme, and save 10% when you book 2 or more.
TEACHER - CREATOR BIOG
Sophie Besse is the Artistic Director of PSYCHEdelight Theatre Company of Sanctuary. She is an award winning director trained in both drama and therapy and developed an expertise in physical theatre, ensemble work and clowning. (Among other trainings: Gaulier Lecoq, LISPA, John Wright, Lucy Hopkins, Complicite, Told By an Idiot & Ben Keaton.) Her work transforms real-life stories into poetic theatrical experiences, using clowning as an act of resilience and a way to revisit personal journeys through play and visual poetry. Over the past fifteen years, she has directed large-scale ensemble productions, creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.
A diversity advocate, Sophie is experienced in creating inclusive spaces that bring together people from different cultures, languages and backgrounds. She worked with young offenders and women in prison for seven years and has been creating theatre with refugee communities since 2015.
Since 2023, Sophie has developed a particular expertise in directing solo performances, supporting artists in creating powerful theatrical works that honour individual stories while revealing the shared human experiences that connect us all. Most recent credits as a theatre director: “Borderline, the satire of the Calais Jungle,” “Welcome To The UK,” “Mohand & Peter,” and “Unforgettable: An Alzheimer's cabaret” (best cabaret award - Brighton Fringe 2026)
TESTIMONIALS
“Wonderful week-end! feeling pumped from all the learning.” Josh.
"Such a creative boost! So refreshing and exciting to be in a clowning workshop which felt challenging but supportive at the same time." Lila
"The week-end was the perfect mixture of laughter, silliness and learning. I loved how flexible Sophie was. I've come away inspired and full of ideas." Arthur
"Inspiring, fun-filled and deeply relevant." Helen
"The most brilliant time! Thank you Sophie for all the play, wisdom and silliness! And of course the poetic play!" Emma.
SHOW REVIEWS
“Beautiful in both its poetic and physical language, Mohand & Peter is a triumph”. There Ought to Be Clowns review of "Mohand & Peter"
"We need more theatre that challenges us. Thank you to PSYCHEdelight for providing this safe space for us to laugh, week and sing. Cathartic and unforgettable." Fringe Review Brighton Fringe 2026.
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