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LEARNING how to be a failure is an important step in the art of clowning.

Five Valleys Drama is holding a physical clown workshop at The Space on Sunday, which will include an exploration into the social need to be successful.

"You can't just put on a hat and a red nose and become a clown. It's about finding your own clown," said Craig Edwards, who will lead the course.

"It's not about being funny. It's about being prepared to be vulnerable and open.

"Failure is very important in clowning. You have to fail in front of an audience and the audience will love you for that and give a lot of love back. It's about going 'here I am, it's just me and I'm just a human being and I get things wrong'.

"Failure is inherent in human existence, but we all try and hide it. Clowns don't, they say it's ok to fail and I'm going to fail in front of you.

Clowns are very open and naïve and accepting and closer to what we all used to be as children.

"That's the hard thing about clown training, stripping back all that we've been taught about succeeding and getting things right.

"This workshop will be very playful, fun and supportive. It's a chance to dip your toes in and see if it's for you," he said.

Craig has worked as a professional actor and director for nearly 15 years, creating new pieces of work with companies such as Travelling Light, Theatre Alibi and Bristol Old Vic. He has co-written and directed a new one man clown piece called The Nothing Show which will tour this autumn.

For more information or to book a place call Helen on 07811 427462 or email helenw@freeserve.co.uk

3:24pm Wednesday 16th April 2008

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