More than a workshop series. Participants will come away with a deeper understanding of clown, a revitalised spirit and lifelong memories with a new creative network.
Hosted in the scenic surroundings of Bidston Observatry Artistic Research Centre, learn from the multi award winning Ugly Bucket in masterclasses designed to harness the power of clown, whether you‘re a seasoned pro or complete beginner.
Learn more about Ugly Bucket Theatre at https://www.uglybuckettheatre.co.uk/
We believe clowning is about more than just honing your craft. It's about building community and connecting with others. That's why our Big Bucket Retreat includes -
Workshops, shared meals, a bonfire social, grounding in nature, a morning rave, rooftop meditation and more…
TESTIMONIALS
The retreat was the most playful, joyful, soul-enriching, heart-expanding way to learn and grow as both a performer and a person, in the most safe and space I could imagine, with the most beautiful people in the most magical place.
This experience is a life changing look into yourself, the joys of life and its uncertainties.
If everyone had access to such an inspiring, supportive space at least once in a lifetime, I genuinely believe the world would be a different place. The retreat offered a full-bodied welcome to all of my parts of self.
I have never done clowning before. My experience was magical and life-changing. I feel I have found new courage and freedom in being me which translates to all other areas of life.
The retreat and the people there really helped to improve my confidence, helping me to get my smile back.
It could not have been more different to the clown courses/workshops I've done in the past. I've left this weekend inspired, encouraged and more confident.
I am new to clowning. The exercise that Ugly Bucket provided are really accessible and able for us to work on our own level.
Based in a historical landmark situated on the beautiful woodland of Bidston Hill, just over the water from Liverpool, Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre (BOARC) is a self-organising study site for research, communality and experimentation.
The building has 5 floors, including an open access rooftop with 360 views and dormitory style bedrooms - discussion can easily flow from kitchen to sound recording studio as creative ideas bounce between the domes and basements.
Learn more about Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre at
https://bidstonobservatory.org/
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
Guided by our practitioners at Ugly Bucket, participants will explore games and exercises designed to reignite play and use clowning as a lens for self-exploration and expression.
We will ask participants to draw on authenticity, accept the unknown, celebrate vulnerability, and embrace the truths about themselves that clowning can uncover. In doing so, we will highlight the unique essence within each of us—something that transcends language, drawing in and captivating an audience. Participants will enhance presentness, mindfulness, instinct, and trust to create clowns that are more bold, exciting, and connect on a deeper level.
We will delve into all kinds of relationships—our relationship with ourselves, how clowns interact with each other, and, of course, the clown’s life source: their relationship with an audience. Together, we will practice techniques to not only harness audience connection but to play within it as well.
Beyond this, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The Ugly Bucket style is one of grotesque physicality, intuitive movement, and liberation. In defying conventional standards, our clowns offer a gateway to self-acceptance and new horizons of expression. Collectively, we will think less, do more, and embrace failure as an integral part of the clowning process and life itself.
Over our time together, we will remind participants that when people are laughing, they are listening. We will think about how clowns, in their purity, can possess the audacity and boldness to tackle difficult conversations and confront social issues head-on through laughter. Beyond the retreat, we hope participants will understand clowning as a means to reflect ourselves and the world around us with unabashed honesty, and will consider how they can ignite action for positive change.
Ultimately, our clowning retreat offers a safe and liberating space for individuals to connect, cultivate joy, and harness the gifts of clown— both on and off the stage.
TICKETS
All tickets include full catering for the weekend and include dorm style accommodation at Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre.
We offer Concession Tickets for Students, Benefits recipients, OAP's and disabled participants.
We are offering two bursary places for our retreat - more information on this can be found at uglybuckettheatre.co.uk
ACCESS
Physical Access
Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre has same level, step free access on the ground floor only, this includes 1 wheelchair accessible bedroom, 1 step free access bedroom and 1 wet room with accessible toilet. As there are only two step free access rooms available for this retreat, if you require this please contact us before booking so we can confirm availability.
We will allocate these rooms on first come first serve basis.
Shared kitchen facilities and activity rooms are also on the ground floor and have step free access. All activities will be available to those who require step free access, this might mean the group is split between two spaces for some activities.
The basement and upper floors of BOARC do not have step free access.
Sensory Access and Shared Spaces
Accommodation for this retreat is in a dormitory style with more than one participant sharing a dormitory style room with privacy curtains and single beds. There are also a small number of private bedrooms available for those with access needs that mean they are unable to share in a dormitory setting. Please contact us via our email to book into a private room if you require. These are limited to first come first serve so please feel free to check for availability before booking.
Bedrooms are non-gendered. However, we take different awarenesses into account; if you have particular preferences let's work out arrangements together.
ADDITIONAL ACCESS
Please contact us if you need to discuss any further access including; a carers ticket, BSL interpretation, audio description / blind / visually impaired access, allergies, medication storage or anything else you need to discuss
Food Allergies and Dietary Needs
We will send out a registration form to everyone who books which will include a space where you can notify us of any allergies or dietary needs