UPDATE: 16/06/2025.
Thanks to the incredible success of the museum, we’re undergoing urgent
expansion work to make things bigger and better!
While we are getting ready to reopen, here's a little story to wet your appetite...
For six years, Clown Eckie dazzled audiences with his weekly performances and TV appearances at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, perched on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
For six years, Clown Eckie dazzled audiences with his weekly performances and TV appearances at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel, perched on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed, soon, he was head-hunted by the Royal family's favorite luxury retreat, the Dusit Thani, where he entertained guests every week for another five years.
Eckie never arrived quietly, he rolled up in the only Clown TukTuk on the planet, making him the only ex-pat to legally drive a proper Thai TukTuk almost daily for over a decade! His journeys took him beyond Bangkok, deep into Northern Thailand, where he brought laughter to thousands of migrant families in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border.
In 2021, Clown Eckie bid farewell to his beloved Clown TukTuk, donating it to a remote village in Northern Thailand. Even in 2025, it continues to serve as a makeshift school bus and even transports livestock!
But a few legendary relics remain, treasured parts like the big brass bell, roof horns, and most iconic of all, the Clown Head that once adorned the back of this one-of-a-kind TukTuk. These prized pieces now reside at the Museum of Buffoonery in the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, where Clown Eckie curates the collection.
See below for opening times and guided tours, plus merchandise sales.
Eckie never arrived quietly, he rolled up in the only Clown TukTuk on the planet, making him the only ex-pat to legally drive a proper Thai TukTuk almost daily for over a decade! His journeys took him beyond Bangkok, deep into Northern Thailand, where he brought laughter to thousands of migrant families in refugee camps along the Thai-Burma border.
In 2021, Clown Eckie bid farewell to his beloved Clown TukTuk, donating it to a remote village in Northern Thailand. Even in 2025, it continues to serve as a makeshift school bus and even transports livestock!
But a few legendary relics remain, treasured parts like the big brass bell, roof horns, and most iconic of all, the Clown Head that once adorned the back of this one-of-a-kind TukTuk. These prized pieces now reside at the Museum of Buffoonery in the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, where Clown Eckie curates the collection.
See below for opening times and guided tours, plus merchandise sales.
NOTICE!
🚨 MUSEUM TEMPORARILY CLOSED -- BLAME THE UNICYCLE! 🚨
Due to a highly dramatic fall off an 8ft high unicycle, Eddie is now nursing an old leg wound that has decided to remind him of its existence.
While he recuperates and reassesses his life choices, the museum will be temporarily closed.
However, fear not! Eddie expects to hobble back into action for T-shirt, sticker, and card sales
on June 14, 2025, assuming his leg forgives him.
Stay tuned to this page, send good vibes, and maybe avoid unicycles taller than yourself.
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🚧 BIG NEWS! We’re Expanding! 🚧
Thanks to the incredible success of the museum, we’re undergoing urgent expansion work to make things bigger and better! 🔹 Stay tuned to this page for updates. 🔹 We expect to fully reopen around the end of June, 2025. In the meantime, we are open for sales of t-shirts, stickers and cards. (See footer for opening times) Thank you for your patience and support. We can’t wait to welcome you back! Bookings and Questions Here |
CLOWN ECKIE ENTERTAINING THOUSADS OF ANKLE-BITERS AND GROWN-UP KIDS SINCE 1985-ISH
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Clown Eckie brought the Arcade to life with his Buffoonery at the Great Big Green Lunch!
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With his flaming wallet, bouncing juggling balls, and a playful diablo routine, he kept the crowds entertained with his signature brand of silliness. Laughter and excitement filled the air as people gathered for this brilliant event on Sunday, June 8th.
Come and see our Unique T-Shirts, Stickers and Postcards...
"YOU CAN'T BUY ANYTHING LIKE THESE ANYWHERE ELSE ON PLANET EARTH!"
T-Shirts, Postcards and Stickers are only available to buy from the
Little Museum of Buffoonery, Wayfarers Arcade, Southport.
Pre-orders for T-Shirts by email, all sizes, adults and ankle-biters
Little Museum of Buffoonery, Wayfarers Arcade, Southport.
Pre-orders for T-Shirts by email, all sizes, adults and ankle-biters
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UNIQUE POSTCARDS AND STICKER'S
MOST OF THE TEXT MESSAGES ON THESE CARDS & STICKERS CAN BE ORDERED FOR T-SHIRTS
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A Touch of Timeless Charm: The Little Museum of Buffoonery Finds Its Place
Nestled in the heart of Southport’s historic Wayfarers Arcade, the Little Museum of Buffoonery is proud to take its place among the elegant architecture of this Victorian-listed building.
The Professor of Buffoonery Himself, Eddie Haworth FRSA - AKA Clown Eckie
Make an appointment to join us most Fridays Saturdays and Sundays between 11 am and 5 pm,
to meet the mastermind behind this whimsical museum,
Eddie Haworth FRSA, whose eccentric vision brought it all to life.
Open for walk-ins, but guided tours preferred.
to meet the mastermind behind this whimsical museum,
Eddie Haworth FRSA, whose eccentric vision brought it all to life.
Open for walk-ins, but guided tours preferred.
Presenting This Unique Exhibition...
Meet Clown Eckie, also known as Eddie Haworth FRSA, a renowned slapstick comedian who rose to fame in the 1980s and 90s. Once hailing from Southport, Eckie delighted audiences across the UK, Europe, the USA, Scandinavia, and the UAE. In 1999, his talent took him to the Far East, where he was invited to perform at prestigious British Embassy events and five-star hotels.
Eddie is also the Founder of the Gift of Happiness Foundation in Thailand, which was granted full charitable status by the Royal Thai Government on 15th December 2009. In March 2010, the Foundation became a member of the League of Foundations of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
Meet Clown Eckie, also known as Eddie Haworth FRSA, a renowned slapstick comedian who rose to fame in the 1980s and 90s. Once hailing from Southport, Eckie delighted audiences across the UK, Europe, the USA, Scandinavia, and the UAE. In 1999, his talent took him to the Far East, where he was invited to perform at prestigious British Embassy events and five-star hotels.
Eddie is also the Founder of the Gift of Happiness Foundation in Thailand, which was granted full charitable status by the Royal Thai Government on 15th December 2009. In March 2010, the Foundation became a member of the League of Foundations of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of the late His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
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For the past 25 years, Eckie has been affectionately celebrated as the "Clown Prince of Thailand," spreading smiles to thousands in slums, hill tribes, and migrant and refugee communities in some of Thailand’s most remote regions. His extensive career also includes performing and lecturing at five-star hotels, international schools, and universities across South East Asia, China, India, and beyond.
Now back home in Southport, Eckie proudly shares his extraordinary collection. Discover vibrant costumes, oversized shoes, unique musical instruments, and an incredible array of clown props and memorabilia, all gathered during his remarkable global adventures since the 1980s. These treasured items have brought smiles to countless faces worldwide, and now you have the rare opportunity to see them up close. Don’t miss your chance to meet Eckie in person and relive the magic of one of the last remaining British slapstick comedians! |
THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY ONLY HAS ROOM TO ACOMODATE FOUR ADULTS ACCOMPANIED BY A COUPLE OF ANKLE BITERS UNDER 12-YEARS (Dependent on sprog-size) 
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The Buffoon is on fire with anticipation of your arrival!
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ENTRY FEES REFLECT THE UNIQUNESS OF THIS MUSEUM AND DEVELPMENT COSTS
Detailed guided tours including Q&A, lasting 20/30 minutes for small groups or individuals, guided personally by Eddie Haworth FRSA. £20.00, by appointment only, via contact page. Walk in visitors possible when the Professor of Buffoonery is available at the time of your visit to the Wayfarers Arcade.
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-- NOTE --
If Eddie is on the premises, but the museum is temporarily closed for ongoing expansion or pre-booked visitors.
Please ask about buying T-Shirts, Postcards and Ankle-Biters bedroom stickers. (Also suitable for cars)
If Eddie is on the premises, but the museum is temporarily closed for ongoing expansion or pre-booked visitors.
Please ask about buying T-Shirts, Postcards and Ankle-Biters bedroom stickers. (Also suitable for cars)
A lovely review sent by email on 14/04/2025:
So we promised to send you feedback after our visit. Well here it is...
We think other people of more mature years and of course, our grandchildren will enjoy the nostalgia. We did on our visit.
You concentrated on what we wanted to know about...
You didn’t waffle on...
You answered all our questions leaving us feeling special!
We think other busy grandparents like us are quite likely to feel the same. They will enjoy taking an hour out of a busy day caring for their grandchildren. They will enjoy listening to you...
And if you can link up to the proposed happiness centre in Liverpool – all the better...
We so need to look at the uplifting things, and your museum is one of them.
So wishing you every success in the future.
All best wishes, Granny Mary and Nannie Annie xx
So we promised to send you feedback after our visit. Well here it is...
We think other people of more mature years and of course, our grandchildren will enjoy the nostalgia. We did on our visit.
You concentrated on what we wanted to know about...
You didn’t waffle on...
You answered all our questions leaving us feeling special!
We think other busy grandparents like us are quite likely to feel the same. They will enjoy taking an hour out of a busy day caring for their grandchildren. They will enjoy listening to you...
And if you can link up to the proposed happiness centre in Liverpool – all the better...
We so need to look at the uplifting things, and your museum is one of them.
So wishing you every success in the future.
All best wishes, Granny Mary and Nannie Annie xx
Stay tuned and like our Facebook page for updates! Museum of Buffoonery
Join us in April 2025 for an up-close and personal buffoonery experience, featuring one of Britain’s finest old-school variety entertainers, Clown Eckie.
He'll be ready to chat with visitors most afternoons at the stunning Victorian Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street, Southport!
THE CHARITY...
Supporters we love
THE ENGINE ROOM
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THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS FOUNDATION
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Registered: Little Museum of Buffoonery Logo
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