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Find your inner clown, and allow him or her, to playScroll to the bottom for reviews from former students
Dave is an internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. He played Harry Hill’s stooge in four national tours, many episodes of his TV shows, and two live DVDs. He was also Tinky Winky in The Teletubbies…..
Further, We Are Funny Project will strive to provide stage time to students so that aspects of what they have learned can be applied and practised.
"Early Bird" tickets are available at £65 until 1130pm on Monday April 15th, then the price will rises to £85.
In Search of Stupid – Encountering Our Clown.
Are you tired of being sensible? Then try being stupid.
The clown starts full of hope, and finishes in fiasco.
The clown is open, simple, stupid - and happy.
The clown walks on stage with a heart full of love, and no ideas.
The audience loves the clown for their humanity, not for their slick performance.
Some great clowns don’t wear clown costume. Tommy Cooper, Eric Morecombe, Rik Mayall, Harry Hill and Tim Vine celebrate the silly.
This one-day workshop is for beginners and experienced performers to explore their inner idiot, and enjoy the flop. Let go of cool, and romp under a full moon using half of your brain.
Dave Thompson’s Workshop is a safe space to be sane in this insane world.
The course is practical, but includes some theory.
The day involves:
Clown types – the Auguste, and the Bouffon.
The difference between the Clown and the Fool.
Simple games.
Improvising.
Clown Entrances and exits.
The Circle.
Ensemble playing.
Wobbling.
Please bring comfortable clothing and be prepared to sit or lie on the floor.
Students can bring old clothes, masks, hats, toys, instruments, and dolls.
Dave Thompson has performed stand-up comedy in forty-three countries. Known for his zany style, he's written material for many famous names including Harry Hill, Omid Djalili, Ronnie Corbett, Bruce Forsyth, Stewart Lee, and Phil Nichol.
Dave appeared in five feature films and numerous TV shows including ‘Harry Hill’s TV Burp’ and ’The Last Kingdom’ on Netflix. He was in eight episodes of Al Murray’s sitcom ‘Time Gentlemen Please’. He’s best-known as the actor inside the Tinky Winky costume in the world-famous TV show 'Teletubbies’.
Dave has worked as a visiting lecturer at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, and on the comedy degree course at Solent University. He has taught comedy courses in London, Cardiff, Brighton, Atlantic College (Wales), Budapest, Nässjö and Örebro in Sweden.
Testimonials from Former Students
I had an absolute blast at the clowning and physical workshop with Dave Thompson. As a stand up it made me much more aware of the leverage we can have over our material just by being more aware of the comedic tool our bodies can be. To achieve this, Dave let us play, discover and take silliness seriously, giving us tools and tips. He complimented the play with history lessons in The Clown and archetypes that help us better understand this enormously fun world. Can’t recommend enough!
-Sam
"I really enjoyed the day and learned a lot from it"
Mark V, London
"We Are Funny Project is a great space. It feels like a much needed platform (literally) for the comedy community in London. Alfie does a superb job of running it and the courses are great.
Couldn't recommend more if you are looking to explore comedy in all it's forms."
JM, London
"It was very fun and informative-and Dave is a gentle and patient teacher who is very knowledgeable. There might be room for fewer breaks I don’t know - so much depends on the group and the general flow of the thing - but it felt overall relaxed interesting and really helpful. "
Simon
"I loved the clowning workshop. The day was well organised with lots of timely breaks!!"
Thandi
"Thank you for such a delightful day of creative play and silliness in a super fun, friendly & supportive environment. I found it so liberating empting my thoughts and letting go of the stress and pressure of trying to be funny. Dave was a wonderful facilitator very encouraging and supportive in giving feedback. I found it truly fascinating learning about the traits and mindset of the clown, together with the many examples he gave.
Great foundations for stand up. I love, love, love clowning!
Big thanks"
Jaycee
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Farr's School of Dancing, 17-19 Dalston Lane, London, E8 3, United Kingdom,London, United Kingdom
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