What is the purpose of Daft-elation?

To spread the wild oats of joy through the embrace of the ridiculous. In doing so, we can become more present with one another, allow parts of us to be seen that wouldn't usually come out to play, and emerge on the other side a little more open to one another and ourselves.

Oliver's main passions they share in their workshops - 

• Following our impulses and pleasure.

• Using sacred silliness and ritual to connect with each other.

• Play as a means of connection with others and ourselves.
  

Oliver Yates (also known by many as ‘Leaf’) is a performer and workshop facilitator. They were introduced to the world of clowning a couple of years ago, when they met Lucy Hopkins at one of her Silent workshops. They also discovered the world of comedy improv in Sheffield at around the same time, attending groups such as ‘The Shrimps’ and ‘Sass improv’. They have also performed stand-up at various venues in the north.  They now regularly perform clown as ‘a visit from the local preacher’ and a double act with their clown partner Nicky Hindmarch.

Since Lucy’s workshop at Buddhafield 2021, they have learnt with the likes of Zuma Puma, Performers playground, Peta Lily, Lucy Hopkins (again!), Gerry Flanagan, Samantha Holdsworth (clowns without borders) and Toby Park of Spymonkey.

Oliver has run numerous workshops borrowing exercises from the worlds of improvisation, theatre and clowning, most notably: at a local festival run by Hagglers Corner in Sheffield; ‘Reclaiming play’ at the ‘Earth First!’ summer gathering 2022/23; on the 'Young Clown' Erasmus+ program (exploring clown through dance and song); 2 of their own work-in-progress, ‘Clown and connection’ workshops in Sheffield; ‘exploring agile through play’ at the scrum exchange and Reason HQ (co-facilitated with Daniel Susser, agile coach for Dr Doctor) in London and most recently, a 2 day workshop called ‘Deepening Play and connection’ in Sheffield.

In December 2023, they trained as a laughter yoga leader with Lotte Mikkelsen from ‘United mind’ and have now started a weekly laughter club in Sheffield (every Tues, Common ground 7.50 - 9pm).

Their most recent escapade in late February 2024 was training with ‘The flying seagull project’ who spread joy and laughter to children that need it the most.

Oliver will next be performing -

12th march, Theatre Deli Sheffield, Open stage Night, 7pm

17th march, Theatre Deli Sheffield, The Unknown, 7pm

21st march, Three Tuns, Sheffield, We Digress, 8pm

5th April, Theatre Deli Sheffield, A Aye Captain by Fish Pie Cabaret 7.45pm

10th April, John The Unicorn, 157-159 Rye Ln, London SE15 4TL, Confuse Comedy, 7.30pm