Emma talks to Isobel Wolff, National Director at The Flying Seagulls, who for 15 years have been spreading laughter, play and silliness as far and wide as their net will cast.

Isobel is an actor-musician and trained singer and works in both fields. She also works as a pro-bono musician and clown for the Children's Theatre charity and the The Flying Seagull Project, travelling and performing in the UK and internationally. As part of the Flying Seagulls Izzy has taken play into difficult environments and to vulnerable communities. She shares why play isn’t just for when we’re feeling in a good mood but is vital to protect and bring into the darkest of times.

On this episode, Emma and Isobel discuss (with timestamps):

00:00 - Intro

01:17 - Taking play into ‘non-playful situations

02:34 - The role of play in those situations

05:12 - Play is a ‘right’ for children

05:37 - Life before The Flying Seagulls

06:44 - Style of play (clowning)

08:21 - How is clowning different to acting?

12:34 - Universal hypnotism

15:02 - Duck duck goose

18:57 - Expectation layering

22:30 - Getting kids to play

25:53 - Performance intimidation

30:49 - The science and magic of play

36:02 - Play in mainstream education

40:20 - Izzy’s childhood playtime 

41:43 - Work play vs Down time play

43:05 - Tips for integrating clowning into everyday life 

To find out more about The Flying Seagulls and all the great work they do, use the link below:

https://www.theflyingseagullproject.com

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