Seven Again...

'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, Director of Creative Writing and acclaimed children’s author — declared she’d happily be seven forever. I love that spirit: wise, playful and quietly rebellious.

Wendy is one of many brilliant women in my classes — alongside some wonderfully sharp and adventurous men. Each brings distinctive wit and courage to the stage.

You can catch a line-up of some of these witty women at our International Women’s Day gig, Sunday 8 March at Exeter City Gate, with other class performers appearing across Exeter and East Devon.

Stand-up (with a generous dollop of clowning) helps people uncover joy in every corner of life — the silly, the tender and the dark. This week alone we covered cow poo, spoons, Russia, DT, pine martens and even a blue heron.

Comedy, as ever, refuses to be tidy.

And in these heavy times, that feels quietly revolutionary.

International Women’s Day Stand-Up GigSunday 8 March – raising money for SAFE. Book now.

Six-week comedy course Monday 9 March. Book now

Six-week comedy course Tuesday 10 March. Book now