York-based theatre company Clown Space will be joining York Theatre Royal as Associate Company for 2025/26.
As part of York Theatre Royal’s ongoing Artist Development programme, each year a new associate company is appointed. The Associate Company benefit from twelve months of tailored practical support and resources to help nurture their creative work. This can include anything from use of the theatre space and performance opportunities to mentorship and guidance on all aspects of theatre making.
From April 2025, York Theatre Royal will be working with Clown Space, a theatre company which specialises in teaching Clown, Full Mask and Physical Theatre. Established in 2017, Clown Space is run by Artistic Director, James Lewis-Knight and Executive Director, Emily Chattle. Over the next year at YTR, they will be developing their new flagship children’s production, Doris the Dormouse, alongside a full programme of training opportunities for local artists and creatives.
James trained with the prestigious Clown masters Philippe Gaulier and Carlo Jacucci in Etampes, France, as well as Mask and Clown teachers John Wright, Steve Jarand and Felipe Ortiz.
James Lewis-Knight, CEO & Artistic Director of Clown Space said: “We are thrilled to be an Associate Company of York Theatre Royal this year, an exciting milestone in our development. Having the support of our local theatre means that we are able to really embed ourselves into the community and deliver even more exciting and ambitious projects than ever before.
Our flagship children’s production, Doris the Dormouse will be going into development in the building next month, and we will receive valuable input and mentorship from the creative team here at the theatre, which we are extremely grateful for. We are also looking forward to offering more training for local artists, with YTR as our hub, which will be a fantastic way for us to connect more to the local community and give back.”
Juliet Forster, Creative Director at York Theatre Royal said, “We are delighted to welcome Clown Space to the YTR family as our new Associate Company. The work they do is so unique and full of joy – and it’s wonderful to be able to support them over the next twelve months.”
Following a sold-out ‘introduction to Clowning workshop’ last summer, Clown Space have just announced a three-day introduction to full mask in June. The course will break down the key components of what makes good mask theatre, using games, exercises and improvisations. More details can be found on the York Theatre Royal website.
Creatives who are interested in getting involved in York Theatre Royal’s Associate Company programme for 2026/7 can sign up to the Creative Hub mailing list where details will be posted: https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/be-part-of-it/artists/
