Photos above: Robert Piwko, Tiff Wear, PL. Colour sketch: Tracey Tofiled. Colour illustration E. M. Parry.
'I am so amazed by what you offer in your workshops!' - recent Course Participant
Courses are available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON and include:
Alchemy of Archetypes, Alchemy of the Elements (Earth Air Fire Water), Commedia dell'Arte ('Bare-faced Commedia' when ONLINE), Mask & Movement (with 'neutral' masks), Mime & Physical Expression, Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown) and - stay tuned for new courses:
Melodrama and Sad & Tragic Clown.
'Highly recommended work for all artists and many humans. Honestly. Especially in these dark, difficult times. Liberating work. Grow your skills and awareness on and off stage. Expertly led workshops by Peta Lily.' - JDK
'I am so amazed by what you offer in your workshops!' - recent Course Participant
Courses are available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON and include:
Alchemy of Archetypes, Alchemy of the Elements (Earth Air Fire Water), Commedia dell'Arte ('Bare-faced Commedia' when ONLINE), Mask & Movement (with 'neutral' masks), Mime & Physical Expression, Comedy Toolbox, Red Nose Clown, Clown & Dark Clown, Dark Clown Level Two (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown) and - stay tuned for new courses:
Melodrama and Sad & Tragic Clown.
'Highly recommended work for all artists and many humans. Honestly. Especially in these dark, difficult times. Liberating work. Grow your skills and awareness on and off stage. Expertly led workshops by Peta Lily.' - JDK
‘Fabulous journey, discovering emotion, comedy and more.'
- Course Participant
'Important, brave and powerful work.'
- Lexi Strauss, Artist, Performer, Fine Art Lecturer
Clown & Dark Clown 26 & 27 July
is open to people with some experience
(a workshop in clown is fine).
'Incredibly transformative, inspiring and jam-packed with technical gems to build on my clown stage presence.’ - Alice, Art Therapist and Movement Facilitator
C&DC is the course where you learn Dark Clown
at the first level. In Clown mode we connect with play and expression and learn the comedy craft that supports the Dark Side Play. You learn the aims, principles and ethos of the work (as well as laugh a lot). Dark Clown gives possibility to portray darker emotions and themes ... plus it develops emotional range, timing and increases your audience awareness. Dark Clown Scenarios include: Competition Crying, Horror Is, Eco Horror, Body Horror, The Beloved, Consumer Guilt, For Her, Makeup Rabbits and more ...
‘Something so juicy about applying the principles of comedy to areas of our lives that we keep hidden in the dark - something is released that is at the heart of being a human which is so often glossed over.’ - Elise Ford, Physical Theatre Performer
Watch the Dark Clown video
BOOK or see more details HERE
WHEN:
26 & 27 July - 10am - 5.30pm (BST)
WHERE:
BOLD
21 St George's Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
C&DC course: £219 -
OR pay by 30 June and save £50
Early Bird Price just £169
Special EB price for those repeating the course: £159
BOOK NOW or ask a question via that link
'Gave me the courage to engage with my clown state, and to use the skills it employs to step into darker, more complex comedy/drama territory.’ - Zoe Bouras, Theatre Maker
‘Gives insights into dealing with serious and occasionally disturbing subjects – and delivering with humour.'
- Course Participant
'Dark Clown showed me how to find the comic rhythm in tragic feelings. The course gave me a lot of new tools for my professional work as an actress.' - Sandra Lange, Actress
How Dark Clown works:
The skills of comedy craft can be employed to bring laughter to challenging subjects. Lily's Dark Clown work retains respect for the subject matter and provides a user-friendly way to represent Marginalised Emotions - creating an intriguing and enriching experience for performer and audience alike. Lily's unique approach makes widening the range of the clown's expression both safe and invigorating.
Read the FAQ's here.
About the Workshop leader:
Peta Lily is a director, performer, theatre maker and teacher who uses physical theatre and acting techniques to direct plays and devise theatre pieces in the UK and overseas. She was one of the leading artists of the Physical Theatre movement in the 80’s/90’s and has a long career as a solo performer. She also works as a movement director and teaches at RADA and RCSSD. Contributor to ‘Mime into Physical Theatre: A UK Cultural History 1970–2000’ complied by Mark Evans and Simon Murray, Routledge. Contributor to ‘Notes on Creation’ – a resource book on Devising compiled by Oli Pinchbeck and Declan Mee of Katapult, Berlin, supported by Fonds Darstellende Künste.
'A marvellous teacher. She provides support and encouragement for each member of the group with a very precise structure and an acute eye that sees exactly what would be helpful or not at a particular time. Highly recommended.' - Stephen K. Levine–Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Author
The Clown & Dark Clown course is prerequisite for the Level Two Dark Clown course.
read more on the blog
www.petalily.com
Photography by Robert Piwko.
- Course Participant
'Important, brave and powerful work.'
- Lexi Strauss, Artist, Performer, Fine Art Lecturer
Clown & Dark Clown 26 & 27 July
is open to people with some experience
(a workshop in clown is fine).
'Incredibly transformative, inspiring and jam-packed with technical gems to build on my clown stage presence.’ - Alice, Art Therapist and Movement Facilitator
C&DC is the course where you learn Dark Clown
at the first level. In Clown mode we connect with play and expression and learn the comedy craft that supports the Dark Side Play. You learn the aims, principles and ethos of the work (as well as laugh a lot). Dark Clown gives possibility to portray darker emotions and themes ... plus it develops emotional range, timing and increases your audience awareness. Dark Clown Scenarios include: Competition Crying, Horror Is, Eco Horror, Body Horror, The Beloved, Consumer Guilt, For Her, Makeup Rabbits and more ...
‘Something so juicy about applying the principles of comedy to areas of our lives that we keep hidden in the dark - something is released that is at the heart of being a human which is so often glossed over.’ - Elise Ford, Physical Theatre Performer
Watch the Dark Clown video
BOOK or see more details HERE
WHEN:
26 & 27 July - 10am - 5.30pm (BST)
WHERE:
BOLD
21 St George's Rd, Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
C&DC course: £219 -
OR pay by 30 June and save £50
Early Bird Price just £169
Special EB price for those repeating the course: £159
BOOK NOW or ask a question via that link
'Gave me the courage to engage with my clown state, and to use the skills it employs to step into darker, more complex comedy/drama territory.’ - Zoe Bouras, Theatre Maker
‘Gives insights into dealing with serious and occasionally disturbing subjects – and delivering with humour.'
- Course Participant
'Dark Clown showed me how to find the comic rhythm in tragic feelings. The course gave me a lot of new tools for my professional work as an actress.' - Sandra Lange, Actress
How Dark Clown works:
The skills of comedy craft can be employed to bring laughter to challenging subjects. Lily's Dark Clown work retains respect for the subject matter and provides a user-friendly way to represent Marginalised Emotions - creating an intriguing and enriching experience for performer and audience alike. Lily's unique approach makes widening the range of the clown's expression both safe and invigorating.
Read the FAQ's here.
About the Workshop leader:
Peta Lily is a director, performer, theatre maker and teacher who uses physical theatre and acting techniques to direct plays and devise theatre pieces in the UK and overseas. She was one of the leading artists of the Physical Theatre movement in the 80’s/90’s and has a long career as a solo performer. She also works as a movement director and teaches at RADA and RCSSD. Contributor to ‘Mime into Physical Theatre: A UK Cultural History 1970–2000’ complied by Mark Evans and Simon Murray, Routledge. Contributor to ‘Notes on Creation’ – a resource book on Devising compiled by Oli Pinchbeck and Declan Mee of Katapult, Berlin, supported by Fonds Darstellende Künste.
'A marvellous teacher. She provides support and encouragement for each member of the group with a very precise structure and an acute eye that sees exactly what would be helpful or not at a particular time. Highly recommended.' - Stephen K. Levine–Educator, Theatre Practitioner, Author
The Clown & Dark Clown course is prerequisite for the Level Two Dark Clown course.
read more on the blog
www.petalily.com
Photography by Robert Piwko.
BILL'S IDIOTS - waiting list only - join the mailing list (see below) to hear about when the course will run again
a Clown approach to Shakespeare's text & scenes
14 & 15 June 2025
10am - 5.30pm
Open to all
‘Loved the work and exploration.
My body feels looser and so does my mind!
Also made me free-er emotionally.’
It's not just the Fool scenes!
Hamlet, Richard III and Lady M can be approached in clown to discover more dynamic, humanity and possibility of play.
On the course we will work with provided texts: solos and pair scenes.
You can choose from the offered list of solo speeches - or bring a speech you'd like to work - memorised if possible or on the page (bring a second copy) - be prepared to mix it up with excisions, rewrites and repetitions!
There's a choice of pair scenes provided.
Bring a scarf or a hat or tights ... maybe a fan or other prop. Bring a ruff if you have one, or 'puffling pants' (Ben Elton's mock Elizabethan name for the short baggy trousers worn with tights)
'Some of the biggest laughs came from the smallest and most nuanced of movements, and it's this physicality that is the star of the show’ - 'Whoa Mama' directed by Peta Lily - Broadway World 4 Stars
The course will include:
- intro or refresher to Clown State
- ways to free yourself from 'Shakes-FEAR
- useful practice of 'reading-in'
- working comic text
- embodiment and vocal embodiment
- practical and encouraging side-coaching
- ability to work scenes with friendly direction and to see others work scenes
- Day 1 = explore solo text
- Day 2 = explore pair scenes
- red noses to buy in the class if desired (£1 and £6 options)
- if time permits, there may be a chance to improvise comedic scenes
‘Peta’s endless experience of all things clown and Commedia Dell’Arte , plus her fountain of knowledge on all things theatre makes her a consummate teacher.’
‘Passion, positivity, energy, and craft!’
WHEN:
Saturday 14 June 10am - 5.30pm
Sunday 15 June 10am - 5.30pm
double-check the dates and times
WHERE:
BOLD
Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
WAITING LIST ONLY NOW
£229 - OR pay by 9 May and save £50 -
Early Bird Price just £179
JOIN THE WAITING LIST
About the course leader: Peta Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - all of which she has melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Lily was originally an actor and also studied directing with Mike Alfreds’ author of Different Every Night. She teaches at RCSSD and RADA, where she creates a Clown version of a classic text each year.
a Clown approach to Shakespeare's text & scenes
14 & 15 June 2025
10am - 5.30pm
Open to all
‘Loved the work and exploration.
My body feels looser and so does my mind!
Also made me free-er emotionally.’
It's not just the Fool scenes!
Hamlet, Richard III and Lady M can be approached in clown to discover more dynamic, humanity and possibility of play.
On the course we will work with provided texts: solos and pair scenes.
You can choose from the offered list of solo speeches - or bring a speech you'd like to work - memorised if possible or on the page (bring a second copy) - be prepared to mix it up with excisions, rewrites and repetitions!
There's a choice of pair scenes provided.
Bring a scarf or a hat or tights ... maybe a fan or other prop. Bring a ruff if you have one, or 'puffling pants' (Ben Elton's mock Elizabethan name for the short baggy trousers worn with tights)
'Some of the biggest laughs came from the smallest and most nuanced of movements, and it's this physicality that is the star of the show’ - 'Whoa Mama' directed by Peta Lily - Broadway World 4 Stars
The course will include:
- intro or refresher to Clown State
- ways to free yourself from 'Shakes-FEAR
- useful practice of 'reading-in'
- working comic text
- embodiment and vocal embodiment
- practical and encouraging side-coaching
- ability to work scenes with friendly direction and to see others work scenes
- Day 1 = explore solo text
- Day 2 = explore pair scenes
- red noses to buy in the class if desired (£1 and £6 options)
- if time permits, there may be a chance to improvise comedic scenes
‘Peta’s endless experience of all things clown and Commedia Dell’Arte , plus her fountain of knowledge on all things theatre makes her a consummate teacher.’
‘Passion, positivity, energy, and craft!’
WHEN:
Saturday 14 June 10am - 5.30pm
Sunday 15 June 10am - 5.30pm
double-check the dates and times
WHERE:
BOLD
Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
WAITING LIST ONLY NOW
£229 - OR pay by 9 May and save £50 -
Early Bird Price just £179
JOIN THE WAITING LIST
About the course leader: Peta Lily worked with Lecoq and Gaulier but also studied dance, mime, corporeal mime, Commedia dell’Arte, Chi Gung and Butoh - all of which she has melded into one coherent, transformational practice. Lily was originally an actor and also studied directing with Mike Alfreds’ author of Different Every Night. She teaches at RCSSD and RADA, where she creates a Clown version of a classic text each year.
Illustration by Charlotte Biszewski
How Dark Clown works: Comedy craft can be employed to bring laughter to challenging subjects. Lily's Dark Clown work retains respect for the subject matter and creates intriguing and enriching experiences for performer and audience alike. Lily's unique approach makes widening the range of the clown's expression both safe and invigorating. Read more on the blog: www.petalily.com/clown-dark-clown-theatre-practice-blog
WATCH: ‘Peta Lily’s Dark Clown; Taking Laughter to the Limits' - Made by the remarkable photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Golden, the film traces the steps of Peta Lily taking a group on the Clown & Dark Clown Course journey, extending the possibilities of Clown work beyond the Red Nose Clown style as taught by Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq. Through practical explorations over the last 30 years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown. Her paper The Comedy of Terrors – Dark Clown & Enforced Performance was delivered at the Bath Spa University and her Dark Clown work is cited in Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) - Palgrave MacMillan 2013. You can also watch these short, sweet videos on Lily's Clown and Dark Clown work made by Nick Cowell.
WATCH: ‘Peta Lily’s Dark Clown; Taking Laughter to the Limits' - Made by the remarkable photographer and documentary filmmaker Robert Golden, the film traces the steps of Peta Lily taking a group on the Clown & Dark Clown Course journey, extending the possibilities of Clown work beyond the Red Nose Clown style as taught by Philippe Gaulier and Jacques Lecoq. Through practical explorations over the last 30 years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work - she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown. Her paper The Comedy of Terrors – Dark Clown & Enforced Performance was delivered at the Bath Spa University and her Dark Clown work is cited in Jon Davison’s Clown (Readings in Theatre Practice) - Palgrave MacMillan 2013. You can also watch these short, sweet videos on Lily's Clown and Dark Clown work made by Nick Cowell.
Peta Lily works as a Director, Acting Coach, Creative Mentor in online 121's - use the contact form below or go here.
ONLINE CREATIVE 121’S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE! Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer (121 introduction to Clown)
I worked with Peta developing script fragments. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
DIRECTING / DRAMATURGY / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough - a brilliant dramaturg and mentor. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT DOCTOR / SHOW DEVELOPMENT
‘In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together.’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
ACTING COACHING / AUDITION COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
Inhouse Workshops & Master Classes
'A unique and rewarding experience - lots of the exercises really resonated and connected with me. I found it all very inspiring and I'm grateful for what you've taught.' - Student
'I really enjoyed the session. It was great seeing the pupils so engaged! Thank you very much for giving them a memorable and valuable workshop' - Whitgift School
Groups and companies need special skills for different projects. You might need movement, mime or comedy skills, or ways to physicalise characters. Some companies request Dark Clown consulting to stretch performers and add edge to a new production.
Courses can be designed specifically to suit groups - full information available - course themes include: Comedy Toolbox ● Emotional Zones and Character Creation ● Clown ● Clown & Dark Clown ● Mime ● You're On! - a course on turning your Life into Theatre (writing and performance) ● Comedy & Confidence ● Embodied Voice ● Alchemy of Archetypes (with or without masks) ● Commedia dell'Arte
Experience plus a wide ranging background - Lily has taught at many leading Drama schools and at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier in London. She regularly teaches at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. She has trained with Jacques Le Coq, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Theatre du Mouvement, Yoshi Oida, Carlo Boso (Commedia dell'Arte), Sankai Juku (Butoh Dance), Alvin Ailey School, NY, Master Yeung Kim Wah (Cantonese Opera) and Mike Alfreds (Theatre Direction). She also brings processes and insights from the liberating and integrating work of Dina Glouberman and Arnold Mindell.
Inspirational – the work and your whole approach to it. - Tony Casement Assistant Creative Director, Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Remarkable work - creative, inspiring, challenging and satisfying. - Graeme du Fresne, Summer School Director
She speaks the language of devising, focusing on character, honesty and audience connection. We whole-heartedly recommend her. - Amelia Bird Artistic Director, Gomito Productions
Versatile and skilful, bringing great character and movement out of the performers both individually and as an ensemble. - Writer and Theatre Director Debbie Oates
Course participants report Lily's clown work teaching to be 'empowering' with 'the right amount of support and challenge':
Dark Clown has helped me develop a balanced rounded clown character that has real depth. I already feel it has helped me free up my emotional range as a performer! - Ella Golt, Artist
Demystifying comedy and explaining all the rules – very empowering. - Stewart Pemberton Circus Performer and Tap Dancer
ONLINE CREATIVE 121’S
'I left the session buzzing and feeling THIS IS POSSIBLE! Peta is an effervescent and supportive mine of wisdom, creativity and knowledge. Thoroughly recommended.’ - Lexi Strauss Artist and Performer
'My favourite call this quarantine. Hugely inspired and in-spirit-ed.' - Ian Sellars, Theatre Explorer (121 introduction to Clown)
I worked with Peta developing script fragments. She really knows how to build a piece, a theatre maker through and through!'
- Karola Gajda Writer and Theatre Maker
DIRECTING / DRAMATURGY / ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
'I cannot recommend Peta Lily highly enough - a brilliant dramaturg and mentor. She is sensitive to existing practice whilst questioning old habits to provoke bolder choices and deeper connection. We worked with her for just five days on La Poule and it was amazing.' - Sarah-Louise Young won The Stage Edinburgh Award 2016 Edinburgh directed by Peta Lily in 'La Poule Plombée/Je Regret'
‘I found the work liberating, wonderful fun and insightful ... so much to learn from her.’ - Shelley O’Brien, Mad Alice Theatre
'Her knowledge, understanding and experience within her craft is unprecedented.' - Stumbletrip Theatre Company
CREATIVE MENTOR / SCRIPT DOCTOR / SHOW DEVELOPMENT
‘In only two days, her advice, eye for details and sense of comedic timing took the work to a whole new level. Her experience and good spirit made it incredibly easy and intuitive to work together.’ - Sandrine Monin
‘Peta Lily is an incredible coach. I feel really privileged to have worked with her. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Coffey, Cabaret Artist 'A Touch of Mrs Robinson'
‘Thanks to Peta Lily for nipping and tucking the script and adding some absolutely hilarious moments.’ – Eva von Schnippisch, award-winning Cabaret Performer
ACTING COACHING / AUDITION COACHING
‘Detailed, astute coaching – helpful and uplifting.’ – Cindy-Jane Armbruster, Actor
Inhouse Workshops & Master Classes
'A unique and rewarding experience - lots of the exercises really resonated and connected with me. I found it all very inspiring and I'm grateful for what you've taught.' - Student
'I really enjoyed the session. It was great seeing the pupils so engaged! Thank you very much for giving them a memorable and valuable workshop' - Whitgift School
Groups and companies need special skills for different projects. You might need movement, mime or comedy skills, or ways to physicalise characters. Some companies request Dark Clown consulting to stretch performers and add edge to a new production.
Courses can be designed specifically to suit groups - full information available - course themes include: Comedy Toolbox ● Emotional Zones and Character Creation ● Clown ● Clown & Dark Clown ● Mime ● You're On! - a course on turning your Life into Theatre (writing and performance) ● Comedy & Confidence ● Embodied Voice ● Alchemy of Archetypes (with or without masks) ● Commedia dell'Arte
Experience plus a wide ranging background - Lily has taught at many leading Drama schools and at Ecole Phillippe Gaulier in London. She regularly teaches at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and RADA. She has trained with Jacques Le Coq, Philippe Gaulier, Monika Pagneux, Theatre du Mouvement, Yoshi Oida, Carlo Boso (Commedia dell'Arte), Sankai Juku (Butoh Dance), Alvin Ailey School, NY, Master Yeung Kim Wah (Cantonese Opera) and Mike Alfreds (Theatre Direction). She also brings processes and insights from the liberating and integrating work of Dina Glouberman and Arnold Mindell.
Inspirational – the work and your whole approach to it. - Tony Casement Assistant Creative Director, Mercury Theatre, Colchester
Remarkable work - creative, inspiring, challenging and satisfying. - Graeme du Fresne, Summer School Director
She speaks the language of devising, focusing on character, honesty and audience connection. We whole-heartedly recommend her. - Amelia Bird Artistic Director, Gomito Productions
Versatile and skilful, bringing great character and movement out of the performers both individually and as an ensemble. - Writer and Theatre Director Debbie Oates
Course participants report Lily's clown work teaching to be 'empowering' with 'the right amount of support and challenge':
Dark Clown has helped me develop a balanced rounded clown character that has real depth. I already feel it has helped me free up my emotional range as a performer! - Ella Golt, Artist
Demystifying comedy and explaining all the rules – very empowering. - Stewart Pemberton Circus Performer and Tap Dancer
Lily teaches workshops and master classes in-person and online
‘a phenomenal teacher…skilled like you wouldn't believe…an exhilarating experience…’
Regular open courses include: Clown & Dark Clown; Dark Clown Level Two (available to graduates of the 2-day Clown & Dark Clown course); Take your Clown / Act / Idea Further; Comedy Toolbox and
The Alchemy of Archetypes (working with half mask and 9 archetypes) and Commedia dell'Arte.
To hire a workshop leader (for the future) go here.
‘a phenomenal teacher…skilled like you wouldn't believe…an exhilarating experience…’
Regular open courses include: Clown & Dark Clown; Dark Clown Level Two (available to graduates of the 2-day Clown & Dark Clown course); Take your Clown / Act / Idea Further; Comedy Toolbox and
The Alchemy of Archetypes (working with half mask and 9 archetypes) and Commedia dell'Arte.
To hire a workshop leader (for the future) go here.
