BIG BUCKET RETREAT - EAT SLEEP CLOWN REPEAT
Looking for an unforgettable experience that's more than just a workshop series?
Hosted in the scenic surroundings of Bidston Observatry Artistic Reaserch Centre, learn from the multi award winning Ugly Bucket in masterclasses that explore their unique blend of clown, electronic music, and personal testimony.
Learn more about Ugly Bucket Theatre at https://www.uglybuckettheatre.co.uk/
Designed to help you develop your skills and explore new techniques, you'll come away with a deeper understanding of yourself and renewed passion for clowning whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner,
We believe that 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 and more.
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?
Every clown is deeply personal and unique. Lead by Ugly Bucket, participants will explore the essence of their clown, tapping into authentic emotions and vulnerabilities. We will uncover individual clowning styles and what naturally tickles audiences, and embrace our clown persona as a playful catalyst, armed with the most underestimated and powerful tool of all: laughter.
When people are laughing, they are listening.
Together we will discover how clowns, in their purity, can possess the audacity and boldness to tackle difficult conversations and confront social issues head-on. We will apply clowning as a means to reflect ourselves and the world around us with unabashed honesty. In breaking down barriers through laughter, we can challenge norms, forge genuine connections, and ignite action for positive change.
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.
Ultimately, our clowning retreat offers a safe and nurturing space for individuals to explore their inner selves, cultivate joy, challenge perspectives and embrace the beauty of imperfection.
TICKETS
All tickets include full catering for the weekend
Residential Tickets include dorm style accommodation at Bidston Observatory Artistic Research Centre
Non-Residential Tickets include all activity and food but you must source your own accommodation
We offer an Early Bird discount for booking within the first two weeks of sale
We offer Concession Tickets for Student's, 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
YOUR WEEKEND ITINERARY
Friday 21st
Arrival and orientation 1 - 2pm
Allocated to rooms and settling in 2 - 3pm
Ugly Bucket Masterclass 3 - 5pm
Welcome meal and social 5pm onwards
Saturday 22nd 9am - 10pm
Shared Breakfast 9 - 10 am
Ugly Bucket Masterclass 10am - 1pm
Shared Lunch 1 - 2pm
Ugly Bucket Masterclass 2 -5pm
Rooftop meditation 6 - 7pm
Shared Dinner 7:30 - 8:30pm
Bonfire Social 8:30 - 10pm
Sunday 23rd 9am - 6pm
Shared Breakfast - 9am - 10am
Morning Rave 10am - 11am
Ugly Bucket Masterclass 11am - 1pm
Shared Lunch 1pm - 2pm
Ugly Bucket Masterclass 2pm -5pm
Farewell Social 5pm - 6pm
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