The Feast of Fools happened.
Our bouffon cabaret.
After 10 short weeks of bouffon training and devising at the Bristol Clown School with Robyn Hambrook, nine new born bouffons were released upon an unsuspecting public at the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft on Thursday 7 May.
And what a glorious evening it was! We packed room full of beautiful fools (aka the audience), who happily consented to public ridicule while we capered about like diseased court jesters drunk on power and cheap eyeliner.
Being the bouffons and bastards that we are, we adored every minute.
Our political romps critiqued everything from the manosphere to the wellness industry, small talk to fertility, veganism to mental health.
It was a brilliant opportunity to create and work with the ensemble, where the bouffon is so powerful. From a glorious conglomerate trios, duos and solos emerged, creating the seamless journey of the show.
The interval offered no reprieve as we ran a ridiculous raffle, gathered complaints and masticated them in a hand-shredder and pissed off meat eaters and vegetable lovers alike by cruelly offering decapitated carrot sticks and hummus.
Our mad capering was gloriously married together with the playful, quirky, multi-instrumental musical score from the immensely talented Josh Cottam.
Our bouffon gang is still drunk on the standing ovation, the praise, outrage, confusion and declarations of love and plan to continue to create and perform acts of mayhem, madness and mockery.
Our next stop: the Wordup Stage at Buddhafield. Friday night. End of the evening. Low morale. Bad decisions. Perfect conditions.
Look out for more! Plus opportunities to train in bouffon and join the gang in the future.
Our wonderful photographer Kat Hayhoe captured some of the nights’ absurdity, anarchy and poetry!
@melodi.meditations@laura.singer.creates@sadiephew@thevinedivine@dani_flow_forest@spidersilver@robynonfire13@peoplesrepublicofstokescroft@kat.h264
#bouffon #feastoffools #bouffoncabaret #politicalclown
A fart is a fart in any language
And I found hope, hope and more hope at the Rebel Clown Academy in Valencia this April
What a wonderful silly inspiring time with people that care deeply about the world, and living as ridiculously as we can 💜
A fart is a fart is a fart...in any language...and there were many languages present at the Nomadic Rebel Clown Academy in Valencia, 6-10 April 2026. With over 20 participants from Spain, UK, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium, Czech, Germany, Switzerland, Colombia, Brazil and the US we felt like a beautiful global family. We created a temporary Utopian Community. Shared food, play, stories, grief and the space (with 80 participants of a Handstand Festival also residents @espaidecirc )
This poem, by Skye Radford, is a beautiful summation of our week. The photos by Mara. The pedagogy, and ongoing development between myself and partner in crime, Hilary Ramsden. The joy, connection and play, well that was everyone. Thanks to Didi who arranged so much on the ground in Valencia. And deepest gratitude to our Valencian hosts who showed us the best of this vibrant city.
Where next? Invite us! Hilary and I will come to you.
#nomadicrebelclownacademy #clownplay #activistclowntoolkit #rebelclown #politicalclown
One of the most touching parts of the Nomadic Rebel Clown Academy is our invitation for participants to create individual actions on the final day. It’s a chance to see their political desires and creative expression made manifest on the streets, witnessed by the whole group.
As we cross the town, Alboraya near Valencia, we witness the beautiful scope of how the clown emerges:
As commentator – Ever the optimist, a joyful clown shows us around his new home: a park bench that costs 2,000 euros a month.
Another walks in circles at a crossroads, fixated on her hand as a mobile phone.
As tragic figure – We’re invited to become insects with one clown buzzing between meagre flowers and plants in the village—highlighting the lack of wildlife corridors for pollinators.
As utopian hope-bringer – Demonstrating the Commons, two clowns share conversation, connection, and food with everyone who passes by.
As perspective-shifter – A ladder on a street corner invites us to climb and look around. Participants gain a new perspective of the space. While witnesses enjoy the spectacle and jeopardy as they climb higher and higher.
As performance artist – With the provocation “Move Me,” a topless clown is taped to a barrier. The group moves them across a road and into a park. Unwrapping them risks nudity and vulnerability, creating a dilemma and choice between care and freedom.
As provocateur – A clown invites the group to play football in a square before pointing out the sign saying “No ball games!” He tuts and points out the rules we have broken, despite his role as instigator and transgressor.
As poet – Covering their head and buttoning their coat around a tree, the illusion is of a long-necked tree with arms outstretched, moving in the breeze. It brings many to tears as some go in to hug the tree.
These examples express a spectrum of possibilities: of the clown, of clowning, and of the creativity and heart of the participants.
Photos by @marastacca_photography@qunepruneparsaison@juan.itu.b@charliefclarke
#nomadicrebelclownacademy #rebelclown #activistclown
“Nomadic Rebel Clown Academy in Valencia" is an intensive 5-day training program (April 6-10, 2026) that connects clowning, activism, street theater, architecture, and the politics of public space. The training methodology focuses on the practice of clowning as a form of creative activism.”
To apply, please fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/r5nKBLK75Pr1jBLn8
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"Nomadic Rebel Clown Academy en Valencia” es una formación intensiva de 5 días (6-10 abril 2026) que conecta el clown, el activismo, el teatro callejero, la arquitectura y la política del espacio público. La metodología de formación se centra en la práctica del clown como una forma de activismo creativo.
Para solicitar plaza, rellene este formulario:
https://forms.gle/r5nKBLK75Pr1jBLn8
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" Nomadic Rebel Clown Academy a València” és una formació intensiva de 5 dies (6-10 abril 2026) que connecta el clown, l'activisme, el teatre de carrer, l'arquitectura i la política de l'espai públic. La metodologia de formació se centra en la pràctica del clown com una forma d'activisme creatiu.
Per a sol·licitar plaça, emplene este formulari:
https://forms.gle/r5nKBLK75Pr1jBLn8
#rebelclown #clownarmy #clownplay #activistclowntoolkit #clownworkshop
Leading from the Clown
workshop with Ralf Wetzel & Robyn Hambrook
Join us for an exploration into how clown wisdom can instruct modern leadership & collaboration at work.
"This work is taking the clown seriously as an important instructor of modern leadership and collaboration."
The red-nose clown has long been a source of hope, healing, and human connection. In theatres and hospitals, in refugee camps and even political protests, the clown’s power comes from embodying imperfection, innocence, emotional truth, and a fearless openness to connection. This workshop brings that same spirit into a different setting: the world of organisations; corporations, teams, and meetings - where many of us spend most of our lives.
Leading from the Clown
Friday 26 June 2026
10.30am - 5.30pm
The Spark Space, Bristol BS5 9HH
Investment:
1-day workshop (6 hours)
FULL £350 / MID £250 / LOW £150
FULL: Ideal for businesses and large companies able to invest in leadership development.
MID: Designed for charities, educational institutions, public services and smaller organisations.
LOW: Concessionary rate for individuals funding themselves and community groups.
Further discounts for past participants and Bristol Clown School regulars returning to deepen their practice. Get in touch to enquire.
Booking link in BIO
This workshop is for leaders, collaborators, entrepreneurs, facilitators, and anyone curious about bringing a more human, authentic, and resilient presence into their professional life. It is suitable for all levels of experience with clowning or performance. All exercises will be explorative and tailored to the group.
★ "What a wonderful workshop to prompt some deep reflection and different thinking about how I approach myself, my leadership and the groups I work with. And all through finding my clown, some play and lots of human connection." - Becky Lythgoe, Head of Insights and Engagement
#clownleader #clownwisdom #leadershipdevelopment #leader #clownworkshop
Send in the Clowns: Clown Activism in the 21st Century
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There are over 30 sessions happening at Clownvergence - including workshops, panel discussions, Clown Cafés, provocations, a closing carnival, and more.
This one centers Clown Activism and features four incredibly talented and courages clowns: Ken Fanning, Bim Mason, Hashoteret Az-Oolay & Abbey Pleviak … and also want to mention @robynonfire13 for you incredible clown activist work and support to bring this panel to life!
This session is especially timely and aligned with this year’s guiding question for the clownvergence: What is our responsibility as humans, and as clowns, to each other, to Earth, to the more-than-human, and to the vast beyond?
What is Clownvergence?
Clownvergence (April 9–12) is a 4-day online gathering — a space for clowns of all levels, from complete beginners to seasoned teachers, to come together in curiosity to learn, share, connect, and unlearn.
We hope to see you there.
💗 Offered in the spirit of Gift Culture — pay-what-you-can
🔗 Link to register in bio
🗣️or Comment Clownvergence for the link
We were lucky enough to have @robynonfire13 step into the rehearsal room and offer some delicious wisdom and counsel. Grab your ticket now, only a few left for Saturday!! Link in bio
🧨 Clown Activism 🥸
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In the next of our weekly Youtube Live Clownversations I’m very excited to chat with my friends and colleagues Robyn Hambrook and Abbey Pleviak who are both doing ground-breaking work in taking clowning to the front lines of activism on different sides of the pond.
I’m looking forward to finding out more about the projects both Abbey and Robyn are heading up right now, as well as getting into some productive conversation around what might happen next...
I hope you’ll come along and listen live on Friday at 12pm (PT), 3pm (ET), 7pm (UK), 8pm (EU).
This will be livestreamed on the Clown Spirit Youtube channel - /watch?v=mYJv407106I
It's Holly Stoppit, inviting you to Clown Congress at Bristol uni on the 28th and 29th March.
Ticket sales will close on 13th March!
More info and booking here: https://dandelion.events/e/h1p6k
Welcome to the Bristol Clown School’s beginners course that introduces you to the foundations and fundamentals of clowning.
Forget what you think clowning is, it is not about custard pies and big shoes. It is much more about learning to play again, finding ways to connect with other participants and an audience, learn to expressing your emotion and most of all, embracing the absurd
For anyone with an interest in exploring their own comic potential, this introductory workshop offers a platform to explore a state of simplicity and authenticity that will entice the unexpected and the hilarious.
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Clown Foundations
Wednesdays
20, 27 May, 3, 10, 17, 24 June
6.45 - 9pm
The Spark Space, Redfield, Bristol, BS5 9HH
Enrolment deadline:
Wednesday 13 May 2025
Prerequisites:
None. All levels welcome
BOOKING LINK IN BIO
/clown-foundations.html
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Participants will be guided to dive into a space of playfulness where having fun is at the centre of the creative process.
Introducing the fundamental building blocks of clowning will help you explore this dynamic comedic form. We will explore:
★ connection
★ encountering each other
★ encountering the audience
★ clown play with emotions & status
★ improvisation & performance
The understanding of these principles is vital for any performer/actor interested in creating original work within a character, a play, a choreography or a dramatic space.
Clown Foundations will be facilitated by professional idiots Robyn Hambrook & Holly Meechan. They will will be drawing on their vast experience and combined backgrounds in theatre clowning, physical theatre, improvisation and performance.
Discover new ways of expressing yourself through your physicality. Encounter the world with fresh eyes and a playful heart. Connect and play with a gorgeous, growing community of clowns in fun and surprising ways. Plenty of laughter guaranteed!
This a beginners course for those who have never done any clowning or those with some experience who wish to explore the fundamentals again.
#clownfoundations #clownintro #clownworkshop #beginnerclown #joy #play #connection #creativity
