Learn Clowning with Chris Cresswell

On Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the Theatre Royal Brighton in Brighton will host the School of Clowns Course, led by master clown Chris Cresswell, which will run until Wednesday, 9 December 2026. This six-week course offers an in-depth exploration of the art and practice of clown, mask, and physical comedy theatre, bringing together clowning, mask work, and mime to create dynamic physical comedy performances.

Through weekly two-hour sessions, participants will have the opportunity to work with the neutral mask, the red nose, and established character masks to develop skills in improvisation, character creation, and comic performance. The course is designed for actors, theatre-makers, musicians, dancers, and circus performers, providing a unique chance to research and develop theatrical clowning techniques.

The course will investigate timing, presence, playfulness, and performance through physically led approaches, using neutral masks and masks developed by Trestle Theatre. With a focus on practical exploration and feedback, participants will be able to experiment, take risks, and develop their performance skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. Tickets and details for the School of Clowns Course can be found with the button beside this article.