Clowning around in York

Emily Chattle and James Lewis-Knight - otherwise known as Clown Space - join the team at York Theatre Royal

York-based theatre company Clown Space will be joining York Theatre Royal as an associate company for 2025/26.

Clown Space specialises in teaching clown, full mask and physical theatre, and as part of York Theatre Royal’s continuing artist development programme will benefit from 12 months of tailored practical support and resources, which can include anything from use of the theatre space and performance opportunities to mentorship and guidance on all aspects of theatre making.

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 children’s production, Doris the Dormouse, alongside a programme of training opportunities for local artists and creatives.

One of Emily and James' clowning workshops in full swing. Pic: James Drury

James said: “We are thrilled to be an associate company of York Theatre Royal - it's an exciting milestone in our development. Having the support of our local theatre means we are able to really embed ourselves into the community and deliver more exciting and ambitious projects than ever.

"Our children’s production Doris the Dormouse will be in development and we will receive valuable input from the creative team at the theatre.

"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.”

Creative people interested in getting involved in York Theatre Royal’s associate company programme for 2026/7 can sign up to the Creative Hub mailing list here.