6-10 November 2023/ 10.30am – 4.30 pm / Cost £400 / 18 people / Toynbee Studios, London

Led by Toby Park, Spymonkey Co-Artistic Director

Suitable for all levels of experience, from novice to seasoned professional.

To Book your place

Please fill out the application form here and an equality & Diversity form here

About the course

What is it that makes you as a performer uniquely funny? How do you share that brilliant, special ridiculousness with an audience so that they are helpless with laughter? 

In this 5-day introduction to Spymonkey Clown we will focus on how to identify and develop that particular quality of Funny that is special to you, and only you. 

You will be supported to develop these comedic skills in a safe, fun and laughter-filled environment. This positive group dynamic will allow you focus on identifying and trusting your best impulses, taking risks, being adventurous, generous and honest as a performer. In this highly enjoyable workshop we will play games and exercises, developing trust and complicity with the group. You will find the pleasure in your own ridiculousness, stay optimistic, discover your comedy gold, and get ready to laugh until your face hurts. 

We will share many of the methods that Spymonkey have found essential over the years in creating Theatre of the Funny: physical games, improvisational games, status exercises, physical comedy routines, chorus exercises and parody. Toby particularly enjoys using music as a source of comedic inspiration, so we will also look at how song, dance and musicality can lead us to new and unexpected comedic territory.

“Totally inspiring.”

Lucy Hopkins performer, London/Worcester

“One of the most amazing weeks of my entire life.. My whole heart is beaming and laughing.”

Isobel Chadwick performer, Northampton

“The work has made me more aware on stage. What makes me funny, and what makes an audience laugh, what doesn’t, why am I even on stage. The work has inspired me a lot, as a performer but very much as a person as well. This is the kind of work I’ve always wanted to do and was searching for in all the other work I did.”

Bill Barberis performer, Belgium

“What an amazing week! Huge, huge thank you to Spymonkey, and each and everyone of you who took part in the workshop for being so supportive with a non-performer, you made me feel at home from the very beginning, which allowed me to take risks and have fun. Go Spymonkey!”

Andrea Foa journalist, Italy

“Belly-laughter, support, ideas, and real friendships. Definitely returning for future sessions. Highly recommended for those new to clowning, as well as for old hands.” 

Vera Chok performer, Malaysia/London