Spring is coming! Well… almost — 20 March to be precise.  And what better time to give birth to a new talent  — storyteller, stand-up comedian, or even a gloriously ridiculous comedy character. Come on… you know you’re funny. They say, humour turns speakers into standouts, and if you laugh, you listen, and when you listen - you remember. I agree. What do you think? This March, because people asked for more flexibility (aren’t we all busy?) , I’m running two six-week comedy co

'Find the Pleasure' A deceptively simple phrase coined by the late, legendary clowning teacher Philippe Gaulier — one that has deeply shaped my life, performance and teaching.It sounds light, but it’s radical. It asks us to soften. To risk. To play. In my classes, I invite students to approach comedy with curiosity and mischief — to be as bold and free as seven-year-olds in a world where anything can be reimagined. This week, Wendy O’Shea — Professor at Exeter University, Dir

The Golden Rule When I’m teaching stand-up or clowning, I have one golden rule: No put-downs. That includes yourself. Love yourself. Have a go. See what happens. When people feel free to experiment — without the pressure of having  to be funny — something shifts. We start to see potential. Every single week I witness it: the laughter, the breakthroughs, the growing confidence. It’s remarkable. Thank you to my brilliant classes for trusting the process ❤️ I remember some comed

(pic - not a flood - frozen Derwentwater in the Lake District) After a honeymoon break in the lovely Lakes and Bonnie Scotland, I returned home to a full-scale bomb scare — a leftover WWII device, just casually waiting to be rediscovered in the murky waters of the marina. Welcome home. This week brought biblical floods courtesy of Storm Chandra. With roads impassable, I reverted to delivering a pacey comedy workshop on Zoom. Honestly? Such a lot of fun. I missed being in the

Image Michael James Help (and wisdom) very much appreciated… Years ago, I performed at the Edinburgh Festival as walkabout  Baroness Elsa (check her out). What a hoot. Gloriously edgy. Risqué! It's amazing what women in their 40s (sometimes earlier/later) start doing. I did a PhD and this performance was part of my exploration into female clowning. The six-inch stiletto, thigh-length boots (which you can't see) were excruciatingly painful - the things women do for art - and l

Wishing you good health and happiness in 2026 — and heaps of humorous moments along the way. Flipping tragedy into comedy sits at the very heart of my world. That’s not to say I don’t weep or wail at disappointments, disease, and death — all of which visit us sooner or later. But while these moments are rarely amusing at the time, something shifts when we’re able to retell them as stories. Catharsis sneaks in, usually wearing a red nose.Chances are you’ve gathered a few new t

My family and some friends visited Devon this week and I decided to introduce them to Dartmoor. And yes — I absolutely picked the  weather. We visited Dartmoor Prison Museum. It was almost empty, apart from a wonderfully knowledgeable chap on reception. Go visit — the museum , not the prison itself, which is currently closed while high radon levels are addressed. Despite the rain and mist, it was good to be together. My family live in the North, so these moments felt precious

AI = Artificial Intelligence. But it could just as easily mean Always Interfering, Answer Indicator, or even Alien Invasion.  (Feel free to add your own — the sillier the better.) I do use AI from time to time: grammar, punctuation etc, but— mostly for spell cheque , naturally… Apparently, some comedians are using it too, though with mixed success. I ask it things occasionally, but it’s not really my style. It loves an emoji punchline — as if to say, “This is where you laugh.

This time of year can feel a bit… much , can’t it? Tinsel everywhere, diaries bursting, emotions hurling themselves floor-wards like baubles on a wonky tree. I’m feeling a tad wonky myself. Lots of wonderful things happening — plus a sprinkling of seasonal and pre-marital pressure – no wonder my nails are a little worse for wear. Oh and here is the tree out of the loft. Not yet decorated as you can see; slightly wonky, and yet to be hurling its baubles at the floor in a bout

Recently, I’ve had a fab time teaching a few extra courses – including two brand-new ones this November. Then generally focusing on a single theme each time (and sneaking in a few extra clowning exercises!) has made such a difference. Clowning continues to surprise me with its power. It helps people – including me – become more open, resilient, innovative and confident. And the best part? You can feel the ripple effect the moment people start trying it out for themselves. Loo

A Smorgasbord of Awards! How Wonderful! Next week (Thursday), I’m off to perform at the Devon Tourism Awards 2025 ceremony at Sandy Park. If you’re there, say hello. I'm a finalist in the Women in Education category of the West Country Women in Business Awards. And the ceremony is also next week - Friday. Congrats to all — you brilliant, dazzling, women. Exciting times! I recall the first award I ever won at school: First Year Progress.  (Translation: “She’s trying very hard

I’m currently running two comedy writing courses — one in Exmouth  and the other in Exeter  — and both are buzzing with creativity and laughter. Each session involves standing up and sharing — because if no one ever spoke, we’d all just sit there wondering if our material was actually funny! This week’s Exmouth class took on the themes of seagulls, sewage, and cigarette butts  — three unlovely things that, on a serious note, all link back to pollution and the threats it poses

Laughter season is here... Two new comedy courses start next week, and there’s a quickie workshop prior to the Comedy Stand Up Mash Up on Thursday 6 November. Yes, laughter season is officially here! With the clocks going back, the nights may be darker — but we’re determined to bring some light-heartedness into the world (well, at least to Exmouth and Exeter!) As part of the Exmouth community, I love supporting our local businesses whenever I can. This morning alone I grabbed

❄️ Winter’s coming — so here’s something to warm your cockles! We’ve got the  last two fabulous comedy courses of 2025  coming up — your chance to create characters, tell stories that capture the times, and boost your confidence on stage (or in life!) 🎭  Exmouth  – from  Monday 3 November    The Hub, Sideshore, Exmouth 🎭  Exeter  – from  Tuesday 4 November     The City Gate Hotel, Exeter Come and learn how to find the funny, sharpen your storytelling, and unleash your inner

Compères need to add humour to an event. It’s their job. It’s kind of similar managing a meeting or delivering a presentation – they all need a sprinkling of humour. But so many people don’t consider adding anything remotely funny. Any ideas why? Humour keeps people listening, engaged, remembering. Please, if you’re delivering a presentation or talk, slip in something funny – even in the moment works too – so be brave. On behalf of your audience, thank you. It’ll be so much b

I hear Molly’s words ringing in my ears (one of the cracking comedians who is currently attending my course): “I was terrified of coming...

CONGRATULATIONS to ALL nominees! I’m thrilled to be nominated for the West Country Women Awards  – Women in Education on   Fri 19 Sept...

September might not come with fireworks or dodgy renditions of Auld Lang Syne , but for students (and anyone starting something fresh)...

What kind of warrior are you? Steve Irwin was a much-loved wildlife warrior. I am comedy warrior! What kind of warrior are you? My...

Whipping Up Cooking Metaphors and More! Fancy helping to cook up a storm at this year’s Exmouth Festival? Loosely based on Shakespeare’s...