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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ISOBEL WOLFF: PROTECTING PLAY IN CHALLENGING TIMES