In 1971 Jonathan and a group of artists set up Attic Theatre, taken from the Greek meaning, which stands for theatre that celebrates being in the community. Since its creation, Attic Theatre has become a charity and has produced 35 shows. In 1972 Attic Theatre set up the Winchester Hat Fair, which is still going strong and has become the longest running street arts festival in Britain, with a budget of £135,000 and brings in £3.5 million in secondary spending to the economy of Winchester each year. Jonathan also formed Theatre of Now, whose practice is concerned with being able to perform in the now, without rehearsals or script. Theatre of Now has regularly formed companies to work on particular projects, with workshops in artistic development, stage craft and learning to ‘be’ with an audience, amalgamating in a final show. Through this company he has staged many acclaimed performances of some of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Jonathan has spent the last 35 years honing his unique form of Fooling and improvisation. He is a Master in his field.

Jonathan is a nationally and internationally renowned physical performer, improviser and exponent of fooling and interactive theatre.  Over the years he has developed his own unique theatre practice in which the world of the fool predominates, creating a space of infinite possibilities, where secrets are revealed, inhibitions unlocked and where everyone is ‘able’. He embraces humor and lack of inhibition as a means of both entertaining his audience and involving them in the theatrical possibility of the moment.

Jonathan has performed solo in many countries, including Australia, Bosnia, Canada (trying to fill the alphabet but has not yet performed in Dubai), and taught thousands of workshops. A biography is available on request.

Below are some quotes from press, students, and bemused bystanders:

On workshops

Stupid, silly, intriguing, delightful, strange and unsettling… I really learned something about the nature of solo improvisational performance. Especially about the unconscious “audience” that one carries around with one almost all the time.


I learnt a tremendous amount about performance. And the true nature of the ensemble spirit.


He is always provocative, opening and liberating. Jonathan’s loving support and his infinite perspective helped me to change the pattern of my life. He’s an inspirational teacher who has supported me in my foolish adventures. I would not be doing what I do today or performing as I am able to if I had never met Jonathan. I am certain of that. I have witnessed miracles! What more can I say…? Above all Jonathan helped me to free myself from my fears and to discover the joy of playing in ‘scary’ places. He helped me to cast off limitations and relish new adventure and discovery. It led to a complete change in career and a return to the creative life. His workshops are a must for anyone who would like to feel more alive, more free and more full.



It was an amazing weekend, one of the most exciting workshops I have participated in. I felt loosened up and it has changed the way I see myself. I haven’t laughed so much in years.


On performance

Making them laugh at themselves to understand themselves. It is what a good fool is supposed to do.


Brilliant…he leaves the audience dizzy


…a free-form exploration of whatever is on his – or his audience’s – mind…


The ultimate theatre of possibility!


…at last I have found a theatre that makes nonsense of sense. This is a theatre of ‘Now’, so come and jump into the exciting space Jonathan offers and discover your reality and in turn your theatrical freedom.


Here is somebody who has a remarkable insight into human nature; an insight, which is coupled with a motivation that is beautifully compassionate. Offer up some trust and a little craziness and then together you will become performers of small miracles.