The Poetic Clown
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 developped another language full of metaphors, visual poetry, unconventional languages, music and silence - of course. We will go to their language world and will explore playing with words, object journeys and visual comedy & poetry around the theme we choose to explore. 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 hightlights 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 7 & Sunday 8 March, 2026
11:00am - 5:00pm
Studio 1 (upstairs) at The Cockpit
£125 early bird (book by 23 February at 12pm)
Regular price £140
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 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.) Sophie specialises in participatory theatre, directing and devising. She creates shows with mixed casts involving marginalised communities who wish to raise awareness about their life journeys. Sophie uses theatre as a platform to help people express themselves and be heard She is a diversity advocate and expert at holding spaces with different ages, languages, and abilities in the room. She worked with young offenders and women in prison for 7 years and is the founder of PSYCHEdelight's Together Workshops welcoming local people and refugee communities. Most recent credits as a theatre director: “Borderline, the satire of the Calais Jungle,” “Welcome To The UK,” “Mohand & Peter,” and “Hang Out To Dry”.
TESTIMONIALS
“Thank you for taking me out of my head, back into my body and creative soul” Jenny Pohle. Applied Theatre practitioner
"The most brilliant time! Thank you Sophie for all the play, wisdom and silliness! And of course the poetic play!" Emma. Clown performer.
"A letting go fest! Truly liberating." Denise. Opera singer exploring clown.
"So much playfulness but also depth, warmth and trust. Absolutely loved it. Ready to go again!" Isabelle. Theatre maker working with people with different abilities.
“Thank you Sophie for your support, playfulness, and generosity for allowing all of us to explore and express our deepest creative selves.” Tony Cealy (Applied Theatre director and facilitator)
SHOW REVIEW “Beautiful in both its poetic and physical language, Mohand & Peter is a triumph”. There Ought to Be Clowns review of "Mohand & Peter" (PSYCHEdelight's most recent production directed by Sophie Besse)