Showtown is seeking an individual, organisation or collaborative to develop and deliver a co-production group for adults in Blackpool's Claremont Community. This is an Arts Council England funded opportunity.

Using comedy, heritage, co-production and storytelling, you will work with a newly formed community group. Coming together they will explore histories, share, play and experiment with comedy and storytelling to develop a performance and digital Story Chest inspired by of one the resort’s most famous residents, Charlie Cairoli.

Born in 1910 into the renowned Cairoli circus family, Charlie became famous for his warm and friendly Auguste clown performances. His performances included musical renditions, silly antics, slosh and slapstick comedy. He performed for 39 years at the Blackpool Tower Circus – one of the most significant circuses in the world.

This is a unique opportunity to get up close with Blackpool's heritage collections, get imaginative and use creative (and funny!) storytelling techniques to share their histories.

Residency dates: mid-June - November 2026

Residency allowance: £8,000

Closing date: noon, Friday 22 May 2026