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!'
‘I did the online Commedia dell’Arte course a couple of years ago and an in person 'Clown and Shakespeare' workshop with Peta a few weeks ago. Transformative and incredibly useful, I massively recommend it :).’
‘I still think about the Dark Clown weekend all the time. Powerful, silly, brilliant stuff from a true master.’
'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!'
‘I did the online Commedia dell’Arte course a couple of years ago and an in person 'Clown and Shakespeare' workshop with Peta a few weeks ago. Transformative and incredibly useful, I massively recommend it :).’
‘I still think about the Dark Clown weekend all the time. Powerful, silly, brilliant stuff from a true master.’
'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
The wonderfully popular
BILL'S IDIOTS course
Open to people with some clown experience.
25 & 26 April 2026
A Clown approach to Shakespeare's text & scenes
‘Bill’s Idiots’ gives Shakespeare a whole new cultural relevance.'
'I came into this course quite scared of clown and ‘letting go’. Peta made it so much fun and I experienced a real change in my confidence, physical freedom and openness.'
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:
- refresher to Clown State & play
- 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 available to buy in the class, if desired (£1 and £6 options)
‘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 25 April 10am - 5.30pm
Sunday 26 April10am - 5.30pm
double-check the dates and times
WHERE:
BOLD
Elephant and Castle, London SE1 6ES
COST:
PLACES ON THIS COURSE ARE STRICTLY LIMITED
£229 - OR pay by 25 March and save £50 -
Early Bird Price just £179
BOOK NOW or ask a question via that link
Want to get on the mailing list for future courses?
Scroll to very bottom of page and fill out the form.
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 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 40 plus years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
NEW: Read the Peer Review by Kunal Rajput of Peta Lily’s Dark Clown work. Special thanks to @TotalTheatreMag.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work. Starting in 1980, she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown - ethics, methodology and pedagogy. 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 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 40 plus years, she has built a unique approach to generating laughter from a darker context. View it HERE.
NEW: Read the Peer Review by Kunal Rajput of Peta Lily’s Dark Clown work. Special thanks to @TotalTheatreMag.
Dark Clown is Lily's unique body of work. Starting in 1980, she has founded an exciting new genre of Clown - ethics, methodology and pedagogy. 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 the video of 'Strange Forces' - Dark Clown inspired circus show
‘Peta Lily directed show at Circus Space last night was terrific. Clowns like wounded refugees from a post-apocalyptic Beckett play.’ - Lyn Gardner
‘One of my favourite circus shows ever – dark, magical, funny and so imaginative.’ – Michael Standen
Watch the video of 'Strange Forces' - Dark Clown inspired circus show
‘Peta Lily directed show at Circus Space last night was terrific. Clowns like wounded refugees from a post-apocalyptic Beckett play.’ - Lyn Gardner
‘One of my favourite circus shows ever – dark, magical, funny and so imaginative.’ – Michael Standen
OTHER COURSES:
Courses available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON 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; Bill's Idiots (Shakespeare and Clown); Comedy Toolbox; Red Nose Clown; Clown & Archetypes.
PLUS Peta Lily's unique Clown & Dark Clown course and Dark Clown Level Two course (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown).
Stay tuned for new courses:
Melodrama; Sad & Tragic Clown.
Courses available either ONLINE or IN-PERSON 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; Bill's Idiots (Shakespeare and Clown); Comedy Toolbox; Red Nose Clown; Clown & Archetypes.
PLUS Peta Lily's unique Clown & Dark Clown course and Dark Clown Level Two course (for graduates of Clown & Dark Clown).
Stay tuned for new courses:
Melodrama; Sad & Tragic Clown.
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.
