NOSE TO NOSE
INTERNATIONAL CLOWNING WORKSHOPS
IN UK, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA, CHINA
Created in 1990, Nose to Nose brings together our diverse experiences in the fields of theatre, community building, teaching, storytelling, play therapy, counselling, Special Needs and organisational consultancy.
Our influence and training ranges from The Bataclown (France) and the Roy Hart Theatre.
It has since grown and travelled around the world. Nose to Nose is present in several countries, carried by people who share the same approach, each in their own context.
Our approach
Here are some of the key principles we are committed to in our teaching:
- SMALL GROUP SIZES
- A PERSON-CENTRED APPROACH
- STRUCTURED TEACHING ADAPTED TO YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE
- A COMMITMENT TO GUIDE AND SUPPORT YOU IN THE WORK
- POSITIVE REGARD
- EMPOWERING YOU TO BECOME YOUR OWN TEACHER
- COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH AND LEARNING
- GIVING A VOICE TO BOTH THE PERSONAL AND THE SOCIAL

Testimonials
“If you only do one course this year to discover and develop new sides within yourself this year: this is it. Beautifully organised and held by Ali and Vivian; plenty of opportunity to breathe, move and use your voice in a safe space with like-minded people – who come as strangers and leave as, well, wonderful special people.”
R.K. Stroud, UK
Clown 1, March 2024
“Nose to Nose is a transformative experience! The gentleness, generosity and care surrounding the playing and clowning makes it such a safe and exhilarating experience. I always leave these workshops feeling like a better person. I am becoming a happier and more confident clown and it is thanks to this special way of working. I can’t wait to be back.”
A.O. London Uk
Clown 2, March 2025
“Clown 1 was a fantastic opportunity to play, connect, fail, and laugh. A safe space, lots of inspiration, and fantastic facilitators. I would love to come back”
A.D. Danemark
Clown 1, July 2025
“The work was life changing… the exercises were miraculously simple and profound and effective. I wish the workshop had been two weeks.ve to come back”
E.S. Brookline, MA
Clown 1, 2018
“It was one of the most beautiful, playful and deep experiences I’ve had. Vivian and Ali created a space for us to open up, play, grow and laugh. As a result, I love clowning, I love meeting other other clowns and doing some clownery with them. I’m carrying this deep lightness and playfulness in my heart. Now, I see clowns everywhere.”
N.C. Hastings Uk
Clown 1, August 2025
Some of our upcoming courses
with Vivian Gladwell and Andreas L. Maier
November 11, 2026 - November 15, 2026
with Vivian Gladwell and Sarah French
January 7, 2027 - February 11, 2027
with Kate Raworth and Vivian Gladwell
January 8, 2027 - January 10, 2027
with Vivian Gladwell and Laura Geilen
January 10, 2027 - February 14, 2027
with Vivian Gladwell and Abigail Dancey
January 15, 2027 - January 17, 2027
with Vivian Gladwell
January 23, 2027