Drama students from the University of Exeter bring the work of Exeter YMCA to life in theatre performance

For the last three months six students from the University of Exeter drama department have worked closely with Exeter YMCA. Dan, Ellie, Katy, Michael, Nikki and Tom (aka 'The Sleep Easy Clowns') first approach our charity in January to see if they could support our work through their 'clowning' genre of drama. This has been a very special time for us as the The Sleep Easy Clowns have inspired us, challenged us and made us laugh!

The first thing to say about The Sleep Easy Clowns is how much they have embedded themselves in the life of Exeter YMCA and become a part of who we are. They have practically supported our Job Club sessions, cooking groups, steering groups and of course our Creative Arts sessions. They have bought their creative talents and ‘clowning’ genre of acting to each of these contexts which has been great! Through their time with us The Clowns have come to really understand who we are, the issues we are trying to address and how we do it.

The second thing to say is, The Clowns have been so effective at engaging with our homeless young people. They have got alongside our residents, heard them, encouraged them and inspired them. This is evidenced through the amount of resident’s involvement there was in the theatre performance. They have literally unlocked a wealth of creative talent in our young people.

Thirdly, The Clowns have bought an abundance of creativity and talent to Exeter YMCA, and in particular to our Sleep Easy event. They performed on four occasions at our Sleep Easy charity sponsored Sleep Out event. Over 200 members of the public were there watching, and The Clowns were creative, powerful, funny and poignant in the way they communicated the issues of homelessness and the work of YMCA to the general public.

Finally, The Clowns have given themselves to us. Their personalities and energy have so blessed us. Thank you! We are delighted to say that two of the clowns have become long term volunteers of Exeter YMCA so we haven't lost the their hilarity and creativity.