PSYCHEdelight Theatre company
CLOWNING AS AN ACT OF RESILIENCE
PSYCHEdelight is an award winning participatory theatre company of Sanctuary founded by Sophie Besse, a theatre director trained in both drama and therapy.
We are diversity advocates, and our language is universal: physical theatre, clowning and visual poetry.
We believe in clowning as an act of resilience and resistance — an empowering way to challenge perceptions and raise awareness about the society we live in.
Clowns are masters at peeling away heavy labels that tend to hide our humanity. They help us lift taboos, restore colours (and add more!) to address life stories with great courage and life saving humour.
Each piece we create is deeply rooted in the journey of those on stage, while revealing a bigger story — the vulnerabilities and struggles that connect us all.
"We need more theatre that challenges us. Thank you to PSYCHEdelight for providing this safe space for us to laugh, weep and sing. Cathartic and unforgettable."
Fringe Review
Unforgettable - An Alzheimer's cabaret
You can read more about :
- Our approach and founder,
- Our shows,
- Our solo clown residencies,
- Our community events,
- Our clown trainings.
- Canole Theatre, our French home in Dordogne & our free theatre residencies called “Theatre Woofing”.
Info
ONGOING PROJECTS
'Mohand & Peter'
A celebration of Sudan & friendship across cultures. (show}
.png)
'HomeScreen'
A green screen installation breaking borders & Making dreams come true.
'Hang Out To Dry'
An audience inclusive format show.
'Borderline'
The satire of the Calais Jungle
RETREATS & WORKSHOPS
London Workshops
Retreats in France & Free Residencies
Join our community
Free workshops & theatre outings
As a theatre company of Sanctuary we offer free Workshops & Theatre outings to celebrate London's diversity & welcome people seeking asylum in the UK. A place to meet, share & have fun.
All welcome!
(Our free theatre outings are reserved to people attending our together workshops)
Making our work possible
Our Partners
“Young Vic Taking Part is delighted to support PSYCHEdelight... We believe theatre should open up doors to the world, and help us understand the lives of others. PSYCHEdelight is doing just this” (Imogen Brodie).
"Mohand & Peter changes the conversation about refugees and migration in unexpected, moving and hilarious ways. It is the perfect show for Britain, and the world, right now. "
Tom Green, Counterpoints Arts
"The work of PSYCHEdelight Theatre company of Sanctuary is smart, nuanced and important. They create work that shines with authenticity, that does all the great things theatre should do - Entertain, move, provoke and motivate." Theatre Delicatessen. Roland Smith
OUR TEAM -
Artistic Director
Sophie Besse
Executive Director
Julie Vallortigara
Company Manager
Chiara Virgilio
Producer
Rob Landi
Outreach producer
Baraa Halabieh
Facilitators
Tamara Astor, Taha Gabai, Christelle Lafille, Joey Robinson and Sophie Besse
Photography
Jose Farinha
