Saturdays, 11am – 4pm | 5, 12, 19, 26 September 2026
North Merchiston Club, 48 Watson Crescent, Edinburgh, EH11 1EP
£210 | Early Bird £175 if paid before 21 August 2026

The Clown discovers the world by playing with it. Each opportunity for play is an adventure. The Clown is led by curiosity, mischief, playfulness. The consequences are uncertain. Deceit, love, joy, even tragedy can lie ahead. The Clown’s performance can be extremely varied – funny, tragic, even nasty. Above all else it is extremely personal and, being based upon play, it ensures a direct, honest relationship with the audience. The Clown shares every step of the adventure, each turn and twist of the game, whatever the outcome.

What to expect?
Games and improvisation will be used to encourage the elements necessary for play: spontaneity, rhythm, self-awareness, timing and, above all else, enjoyment. Exercises will help develop bodily and spatial awareness. The red nose will be used to encourage simplicity, focus, relaxation and stupidity. The presence, openness and confidence of the Clown is useful for performers of all persuasions. Writers and directors have also found the workshop of great value.

Gerry Flanagan is Artistic Director of Shifting Sands Theatre founded to create and tour Clown Theatre that is both comic and moving. Shows include Faustus – A Devilish Comedy!: Boxed In: Romeo & Juliet: The Deadline: The Seagull: Arabian Nights… and Days: The Devil’s Doctor; The King Lear.
The company has an extensive street theatre program and encourages the development of new talent via teaching and performance projects

For further information, please contact shiftingsandstheatre@hotmail.com (Gerry Flanagan) or visit https://shiftingsandstheatre.co.uk/.