Clown & Shakespeare
a 2 day course with Peta Lily
Peta Lily returns to the Bristol Clown School with a workshop that explores a clown's approach to Shakespeare's text and scenes.
Peta uses brilliant techniques pushing imagination for creativity into Shakespeare scenes. Gave me so much openness and flexibility." Clovis P.J. The two days offer a practical investigation of how Shakespeare's characters and words can open up unexpected possibilities for your clown, your imagination, and your play—and not just the 'Fool' scenes! Think Hamlet, Richard III, Lady M and more. A unique opportunity to play, explore, and transform your craft!
With a focus on freeing yourself from "Shakes-FEAR” and answering how the clown works with text we will examine:
Over the weekend, we'll work with provided texts — both solo speeches and pair scenes. You can choose from a list of offered solos, or bring a speech you'd like to work on yourself (memorised if possible, or on the page - just bring a second copy!). Be prepared to mix it up with excisions, rewrites and repetitions as we play. There's also a choice of pair scenes provided for the second day. As for what to bring: a scarf, a hat, tights, a fan or other prop are all welcome additions to your clown's costume box. If you have a ruff or puffling pants (Ben Elton's mock Elizabethan name for those short baggy trousers worn with tights!), do bring them along—but don't worry if not. The main thing is to come ready to play. "Deep connection to humanity and all the colours of life being shared without inhibition
with the audience. Freedom with love underscored by technique." Nishchay Singh, Actor WHO IS THIS FOR:
This workshop is suitable for performers with some prior experience in clowning or related disciplines. People interested in deepening their clown practice, overcoming fear of classical text, and discovering the comedy within Shakespeare's greatest characters. This workshop is also the perfect companion for anyone wanting to bring a fresh, playful lens to their approach to text and performance. There are just 12 places on the course to ensure everyone gets time for individual work. 
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How it works
★ Dates & times:
Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th November 2026 10am - 6pm ★ Venue: The Spark Space, 138a Church Road, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9HH ★ Investment: £200 - Supporter/ High earner £185 - Full Price £170 - Concession (low/no income, student) EARLYBIRD DEAL: £160 if you pay before 14 October "CLOWN AND..." WORKSHOP BUNDLE All 3 workshops - £455 (save £145) If you’re not sure if your level of experience would support you to join this workshop, please email us and we will be happy to help identify if the workshop is right for you. 
Welcome to our Clown and… series – where clowning meets other theatre forms! Discover new dimensions of your creative practice by exploring the intersection of clowning with different artistic disciplines. How does the spontaneity, playfulness, and vulnerability of clown transform other modalities and vice versa? Through this series, you’ll:
Whether you're a performer, artist, or simply curious, join us to play, experiment, and uncover fresh ways to create. The clown is your guide - where will the journey take you? Check out the full series: Sat 31 October & Sun 1 November Clown & Mask 2-day workshop with Gonzalo Villareal Porzio Sat 14 & Sun 15 November Clown & Shakespeare 2-day workshop with Peta Lily Sat 5 & Sun 6 December Clown & Tragic Chorus 2-day workshop with Judith Milligan & Robyn Hambrook |
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP
“Peta expertly guides us and provokes us into inspiring clown action to make you forget any preconceptions you may have about Bill’s work, at the same time freeing you as a performer.” - Juliet Dante, Performer
“This course accomplished a lot in a short time! I’ve learnt some useful exercises and come away encouraged to go beyond my comfortable bounds. Would definitely return!” - Liza Graham, Actor and Shakespearean Text Coach.
“Peta’s creative coaching was perfectly supported by exercises freeing the body and voice. I’ll take a new physical awareness into my ongoing work combining Shakespeare and improvisation.” – Dr Stephen Longstaffe former University Lecturer in Shakespeare.
“Peta expertly guides us and provokes us into inspiring clown action to make you forget any preconceptions you may have about Bill’s work, at the same time freeing you as a performer.” - Juliet Dante, Performer
“This course accomplished a lot in a short time! I’ve learnt some useful exercises and come away encouraged to go beyond my comfortable bounds. Would definitely return!” - Liza Graham, Actor and Shakespearean Text Coach.
“Peta’s creative coaching was perfectly supported by exercises freeing the body and voice. I’ll take a new physical awareness into my ongoing work combining Shakespeare and improvisation.” – Dr Stephen Longstaffe former University Lecturer in Shakespeare.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PETA'S CLOWN WORK
"I discovered so much about myself and the world of clown! The best laugh I had for a long time!"
- Course Participant
"Peta is a wonderful workshop facilitator. She works with such playfulness and fluidity that it’s hard to imagine anyone coming away not having learnt a lot about emotional truth. A huge asset to any actor. "
- Damien Warren-Smith, Actor (aka Garry Starr)
"I discovered so much about myself and the world of clown! The best laugh I had for a long time!"
- Course Participant
"Peta is a wonderful workshop facilitator. She works with such playfulness and fluidity that it’s hard to imagine anyone coming away not having learnt a lot about emotional truth. A huge asset to any actor. "
- Damien Warren-Smith, Actor (aka Garry Starr)
