WEEKEND ON THE CLOWN AND PLAYING WITH FAILURE – LIVERPOOL, UK

16-17 MAY, 2026
With Vivian Gladwell and John Lawlor

HOW TO GO FROM BAD TO WORSE

Dive into a world where mistakes become springboards for exploring and honing your clowning skills. In this workshop, you’ll learn to transform your slip-ups into a source of spontaneity and authenticity, turning every unexpected moment into an opportunity for expression. You will discover how to “go from bad to worse” by amplifying and repeating gestures or words to highlight the potential in each instant. By embracing and building on your missteps, you’ll refine your sense of rhythm, physical clarity, and emotional presence.

Above all, this course encourages resilience and invites you to “fail joyfully,” since accepting our imperfections remains an essential pillar of genuine clown development. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, get ready to walk away with strengthened techniques and a fresh surge of creativity.

COURSE OPEN TO ALL
The group is limited to 12

Date and times:
16-17 May 2026

SATURDAY – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
SUNDAY – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Venue:
Liverpool Arts Bar
22 Hope St
Liverpool L1 9BY

Accommodation:
Liverpool Station is a 15 min walk from the venue where there is a choice of hotels and B and B’s.

Meals :
Bring your own food to share.

For enquiries please email John Lawlor: johnlawlor53@yahoo.co.uk

Facilitators:

John Lawlor

I have a degree in Theatre from Dartington College of Arts and taught Drama for Westminster Adult Education Service for several years. I also ran a local drama group, Absent Friends, in South London. I discovered clowning in 2012 and have participated in clown courses with ‘Nose to Nose’ since that time. In 2023, I successfully completed the Nose to Nose Clown Facilitator Training. I am also a member of the London based clowning group, ‘Nobody Nose’. Thus, I have acquired a strong understanding of the work, possess oodles of enthusiasm for clowning and the ability to create a safe environment in which people can take creative risks.

Vivian Gladwell

Vivian is the founder and director of Nose to Nose and has given hundreds of workshops around the world. He lives both in the UK and France where he started clowning in 1978. He speaks French and English fluently.
Vivian began teaching in 1988 as part of the Lifeways Festival at Emerson College – UK. He trained as a facilitator with the Bataclown in 1990 and joined their team in 1991 also working as a modern day Court Jester (Clownanalyst).
He created Nose to Nose UK in 1990, Nose to Nose of North America in 2006 and Fool View, the Social Clowning group and has trained facilitators in the UK, the USA, Germany and Italy – view history.
He continues his role as ambassador for the work by researching the applications of clowning in the context of teacher training, medicine, conflict management, ecology and intercultural work in many countries (South Africa, USA, Senegal, Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Italy, Germany, Norway…)

He holds clowning as a social playground for exploring our humanity.

Book on this course

Course fee: £160 – (First 6 places at £120)

Deposit – £80

To book this course or enquire
PLEASE CLICK HERE

Note: On some IPADS or IPHONES you may need to “long press” the link above.

To book a course follow the link Click here to enquire… above. You will see on the form whether there are available places. Submit the form with your details and we will let you know how to proceed with payment of your deposit. Your deposit is REFUNDABLE MORE than 2 months before the start of the course. There is a £20 admin fee for refunds. If the course is cancelled your deposit will be refunded in full.)
Deposits are paid online.

NOTE: Bookings can only be confirmed after we have received your deposit. As the booking usually only covers the course fee, please check you know the total cost of the course (course fee + accommodation and meals).

Once your deposit has been accepted, we will notify you to confirm your place on the course. You are booked on the course ONLY when Nose to Nose confirms your place.

If you have questions or problems, email us at nosetonoseoffice@gmail.com
If full email us at nosetonoseoffice@gmail.com to go on our waiting list. We’ll let you know when a place becomes available.

MORE INFO CONCERNING COURSE FEE…

Q: Can I talk to someone? A: Yes, just send an email with your phone number to nosetonoseoffice@gmail.com and we’ll call you as soon as we are free to do so.

Q: Are there still spaces available on the course? A: Just click on the link Click here to book… above. You will see on the form whether there are available places.

Q: Can you put me on the waiting list? A: Sure, just click on the link Click here to enquire and fill the form. We will put you on our waiting list and let you know when a place becomes available.