
Image: Clowning as Baroness Elsa at The Tate Modern (2009)
A slice of humour for health! Have cake and wear it...
Dose of Therapeutic Clowning?
Clowning and stand-up comedy are seriously good for your health. I’ve been saying this for many years and now there’s an article in The Guardian supporting the idea of therapeutic clowning. Yes, word's got out. Hurrah! Well done all the other clown teachers out there making a difference. Here’s the article if you want to read more. https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/jan/14/therapeutic-clowning
Back in 2011, I approached businesswomen in Exeter, at a business networking meeting, and invited them to come to a clowning workshop. I’d never before done clowning with people who weren’t performers. There was a real buzz to the proposal of attending a clown class, and loads of women came along to two workshops in the city centre. It was brilliant seeing people who hadn’t played for years, let their hair down and find pleasure in laughter and play. “Fantastic opportunity to ‘un-box yourself’ – a joy to part of.” “Really great, Maggie creates a very welcoming environment, Loved it.”
There was a serious side to the workshops, which was mental wellness and confidence building. Play and laughter in a safe and supportive space (so essential) are great therapy.Since then, I have run countless clown workshops to help people in everyday life. Periodically, I return to organising all women workshops (one booked for 6 March in support of IWD, followed by an all women comedy night) but also mix it up to hold space for everyone. Join us and help raise some funds for SAFE – Stop Abuse For Everyone.
I am running a special mixed comedy and clowning workshop on Wednesday 19 February, at The Ocean, Queens Drive, Exmouth, to explore how humour can make a difference to both planet and human wellness. Please come to 'What's So Funny? Humorous Treatment of Some Serious Stuff', if you can. We are being supported locally by Exmouth Town Council and Exmouth Chamber of Commerce. Thank you. Chance to make a difference to yourself and others.
If you’re free on Thursday 30 January, and want a winter humour boost, come to a fun, stand up comedy Mash-Up in Exeter, City Gate Hotel. Kick off at 8pm. And if you want to try your hand at writing a joke or two, I am running a workshop beforehand, at 6pm.
As usual, a huge thanks for your support from Maggie and the team :)
Here is some of previous course participants' feedback if you're curious to join (new course dates coming soon):
“It was very supportive, inspiring and encouraging.”
“I loved it even though I was out of my depth – never have done this before. You are amazing. Thank you!!!”
“The people, the laughs – the opportunity.”
“Really worth the money - Maggie is a generous, knowledgeable and supportive teacher.”
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SOLD OUT!
Six Week Stand-Up Comedy Course at Exeter's Citygate HotelTues 28 January 2025
7 - 9pm
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Thu, 30 Jan 6 - 7.30
Exeter
Learn to Write Comedy with Maggie Irving
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Thu, 30 Jan 8 'til late
Exeter
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Wed, 19 Feb 6 - 9pm
Exmouth
Laughter as ‘best medicine’ with Maggie Irving
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Thu, 06 Mar 6 - 7pm
The City Gate Hotel Exeter
"Comedy Confidence is No Joke." Unlock your voice, with maggie irving - no pressure to be funny - no previous experience required
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Thu, 06 Mar 7.30 - 10pm
Exeter
An evening of women's comedy to celebrate International Women's Day!
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