MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY
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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
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Just Sayin... Eddie's life savings have gone into the Museum of Buffoonery
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FROM SOUTHPORT, UK TO BANGKOK, THAILAND
Mum, Michelle & Ankle-Biters Guy and Clark Foster Giving Used Toys to Needy Children in Thailand!
AND
Eddie and his team from Bangkok, who arrived at the Museum of Buffoonery to collect toys and other essentials to be taken to the Gift of Happiness Foundation sorting rooms on September 5, 2025.

Supporters.

Stay tuned and like our Facebook page for updates! Museum of Buffoonery 
BEHIND THE NOSE

The Clown Prince of Thailand

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!

© Eddie Haworth FRSA

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CLOWN ECKIE'S WORLD FAMOUS TUKTUK DRIVEN BY CLOWN ECKIE FOR YEARS IN BANGKOK AND BEYOND!
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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 the Royal Thai Government granted full charitable status 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.

EDDIE HAWORTH FRSA PROUDLY SHOWING OFF HIS TRUSTY 8 FEET-2 INCHES HIGH UNICYCLE AND MUCH MORE INSIDE HIS LITTLE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY

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THE BUFFOON OF SOUTHPORT GIVING HAPPINESS TO NEEDY CHILDREN IN SIAM
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Outside the Little Museum of Buffoonery, the Professor of Buffoonery occasionally erupts into spontaneous silliness, delighting passersby with impromptu performances that require no ticket. It’s simply joyful theatrical nonsense served fresh and free.

From ankle-biters to octogenarians, everyone gets a rare taste of good old-fashioned innocent fun: the kind that tickles the ribs without poking the psyche. These little gifts of happiness tend to appear when families meander through Wayfarers Arcade, mostly on weekends, sometimes during school holidays.

Buffoonery, YES. Nightmares, NO!
Importantly, the Professor is acutely aware that not everyone finds clowns amusing. In fact, he’s made it a strict policy: no scary clowns, no exaggerated greasepaint grins, and absolutely no lurking giant red noses.
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The Museum of Buffoonery is simply a sanctuary of silliness without the psychological sabotage. Here, laughter is gentle, inclusive, and entirely free of coulrophobic triggers. 
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🎈Buffoonery at Wayfarers Arcade!🎈

The Museum of Buffoonery

Marches to the beat of Eddie Haworth’s delightfully oversized shoes, the kind that squeak with wisdom and leave footprints of joyful nonsense across decades of performance.

At 73, Eddie is a well-travelled buffoon, a proud Sandgrounder, and the sole architect of this eccentric haven. He secured a direct licence with the actual owners of the Arcade, no middlemen, no meddling moguls, and certainly no shadowy puppet masters pulling strings behind the curtain.

This is a one-man show steeped in Southport’s rich comic heritage, where Eddie once shared the stage with legends like Sir Ken Dodd, Norman Wisdom, and Arthur Pedlar (aka Verco the Clown), Southport’s own ambassador of mirth.

“For those tangled in the spaghetti of social media, let it be known that my little museum is as independent as a custard pie at a corporate board meeting.”

The buffoonery here is proudly self-contained, brewed with equal parts local spirit and global absurdity, and refreshingly free from the usual digital distractions.

Come for the absurdity. Stay for the clarity. Leave with a grin.

A Whimsical Note From Founder,
Eddie Haworth FRSA (Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London)

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Golfers
🏌️‍♂️Click Here and Tee Off for a Cause at the  Go-Happiness 
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Charity Golf Tournament on 4th October 2025 🏌️‍♂️
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THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF BIFFOONERY IN SUPPORT OF THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS FOUNDATION

A heart-warming reminder that silliness, smiles, and spontaneous joy
still have a home in the heart of Southport.
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SATURDAY - 16/08/2025 and Sunday 17/08/2025 - WAYFARERE ARCADE SOUTHPORT
FROM 1 PM TO 4 PM ON BOTH DAYS!


PLUS THE ANKLE-BITERS, MUMS AND DADS CAN HAVE A GO
ON WILLIE ECKERSLIKE'S SMALL UNICYCLE!


​🎈BUFFOONERY FOR ALL THE FAMILY🎈
FREE
IMPROMPTU, INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCES AND SILLINESS


GIVEN BY THE ONE AND ONLY
WILLIE ECKERSLIKE ​(aka Clown Eckie)

Make an appointment to join us most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Noon and 4 pm,
to meet the mastermind behind this whimsical museum, 
​Eddie Haworth FRSA, whose eccentric vision brought it all to life.

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.
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​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.
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To mark their mum’s birthday and the joyful revival of the Little Museum of Buffoonery, Clarke and Guy Foster teamed up with the ever-ridiculous Clown Eckie for a playful celebration in Southport’s beloved Wayfarers Arcade.
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​A Whimsical Note on Independence From Founder, Eddie Haworth FRSA

GREAT NEWS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE LITTLE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY!​​

​From Shadows to Spotlight: A Life of Resilience and Recognition
The Early Years
Growing up in Manchester and Bolton, my childhood was challenging, marked by dyslexia and social exclusion. These early adversities set the stage for a life defined by perseverance. I delve into the lasting impact of early trauma and my adult pursuit of control, purpose, and meaning. My early life was characterized by poverty and feelings of abandonment due to my parents' long working hours. I recount the traumatic experiences of being sexually abused by various adults starting at age six, which profoundly affected my mental health and sense of self. This abuse continued into adolescence, leading to further struggles with identity and self-worth, and coping mechanisms such as petty crime and substance abuse.
Adulthood and Relationships
In adulthood, I describe my tumultuous relationships, including a challenging marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity. Despite becoming a parent, I struggled to connect with my children due to unresolved trauma. A severe accident in 1979 led to years of recovery and a transformative journey into street performance and buffoonery as means of survival. My travels across Europe, Lapland, Asia, and beyond exposed me to a wide spectrum of human behaviours, from the absurd to the wise, reinforcing the old Lancashire mantra "There's Nowt Su Queer as Folk." I transitioned to a more stable existence, thanks to my second wife, who helped lift me from a life of chaos. We ran a small business together in Scotland and later became travelling artists, living in various unconventional homes and travelling across Europe, Scandinavia, and the Middle East. I earned a living as a street performer and professional circus clown.
Healing and Self-Discovery
I also reflect on my inability to sustain relationships with my children and most of my grandchildren. After my second wife left and I attempted suicide, I began to confront the profound wounds inflicted during childhood. This painful reckoning marked the beginning of a long therapeutic process, which ultimately paved the way for the third and most transformative chapter of my life.
During part of my therapeutic journey, I visited poignant sites like Auschwitz and reflected on the lingering shadows of fascism and greed, expressing sorrow for past and present injustices. Intense personal experiences, including a fraught relationship in Greece and the sorrow of a loved one’s decline due to Alzheimer's, plus the brutal murder of another partner, committed by her son, my one-time stepson, underscored themes of love and grief.
From the corruption in Turkey and Arabia to the absolute poverty and generosity from the poorest people in India, I have observed contrasting facets of humanity and survival under adversity. I reflect critically on contemporary issues such as consumerism, western humanity’s obsessions with sports and celebrity worship, and I remain totally dumbfounded by the idea that human beings are still killing each other in the name of chosen religion, despite the advent of the world wide web offering overwhelming evidence that they are all nothing more than fairy stories produced in times when people were unable to question the purveyors of such ludicrous stories.
Yet, I also reflect on environmental neglect and the impact of technology on youth, highlighting a sense of generational regret. Despite the early hardships and later joyful discovery of my ability to turn my pain into joy for others, I found solace in the art of buffoonery, maintaining a museum of memories and passing on laughter as a form of connection and resilience.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout my journey, I have been recognised for my contributions and achievements. I am the founder of a Thai registered Charity with Royal approval, and I have been recognised by many British Ambassadors since 2005 to date. I am honoured to be a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London and have received numerous circus industry awards. Additionally, I am a recipient of the prestigious Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship.
I conclude with my journey towards healing, which included therapy and self-exploration. I emphasize the importance of confronting past traumas and using my experiences to help others facing similar challenges. Despite numerous hardships, I continue to show a desire to help others, emphasizing the importance of confronting one’s past to move forward.
Aww... Little Kitty, so cute and bright, sighs as laughter takes its flight! - Off goes the buffoon, bold and free, to sprinkle joy across the sea! - So smile, dear Kitty, giggle away, for fun and folly lead the way!

"Follow the Buffoonery as Eckie and his merry team of volunteer buffoon’s spread joy amongst more than a 1,000 ankle-biters in the slums of Bangkok and the hill tribes of northern Thailand",
here>
https://www.gohappiness.org/latest-news
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"Enjoy this charming video by Michelle Foster, capturing the Little Museum of Buffoonery in action during
the Easter Egg Hunt at the Wayfarers Arcade, Southport."

"Now Artfully Signed and Open to Visitors"

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A Special Announcement

The Museum of Buffoonery has now been Officially Opened by the latest Apprentice Brothers of Buffoonery, Master's Guy and Clark Foster, Southport, UK.

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Here's a little taste of what you will see when you visit the Little Museum of Buffoonery in Sunny Southport by the Sea

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​THERE'S ONLY ONE CLOWN ECKIE ON THIS PLANET

Come and see him and ​brace yourself for an extraordinary 
experience at 
Southport's
(Possibly the UK's) most unique little museum!


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​The Little Museum of Buffoonery is the creation of world-renowned slapstick comedy entertainer and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Mr. Eddie Haworth FRSA (also known as Clown Eckie). This unique museum, likely the only one of its kind, finds its perfect home due to Eckie’s strong ties with the former owner of Wayfarers Arcade, Arthur Pedlar, a world-famous clown under whom Eckie trained in the 1990s.
​
In collaboration with University of Manchester academic Dr. Eric Lybeck, Eckie has brought the museum to The Engine Room, an experimental social enterprise aimed at revitalizing unused high street spaces.
 
Right at Lord Street’s heart is Wayfarers Shopping Arcade, open since 1898. This Grade II listed building boasts a stunning glass-domed roof, impressive period décor and a range of exclusive stores. Their Engine Room coffee shop or the café beneath the amazing glass canopy offers the perfect setting to soak up the Arcade’s atmosphere before or after visiting the unique “Little Museum of Buffoonery”. 

Before you visit this unique little museum... Meet Clown Eckie: The Jester Extraordinaire!

"DO YOU DRESS-UP AS A CLOWN?"

People often ask if I dress up as a clown and perform magic or make balloon animals ​at children’s parties.
The answer is a definite ​​NO.

​
Also, I steer clear of anything resembling those creepy clowns from so-called block buster movies!

​​This honorable profession is still respected by those who know all about the
"Art of the Clown"

​Clown Eckie is an EQUITY registered stage name for Eddie Haworth FRSA - More of Eddie's stage names are; Willie Eckerslike, Humphrey Boggins, Saramango and Dr Percey Veer.
Eddie is: Founder of the Gift of Happiness Foundation, Bangkok, Thailand.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, London.
Full long-term member of The Actors’ Guild of Great Britain, EQUITY.
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, Illinois, USA.
Honoured member of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand, Bangkok.
Featured in the TV Documentary - That fat Bloke from Bolton by CoJo Productions, Sydney, AU.
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Sir Ken Dodd loved to see Clown Eckie Tickling Audiences
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Presentation of this award was on stage at the Southport Arts Centre/Atkinson in 1996

Introduction: Clown Eckie, affectionately known as the “The Clown Prince of Thailand,” is a master of mirth, a virtuoso of vaudeville, and a connoisseur of comedic chaos. Let’s delve into the colourful world of this delightful entertainer...

Professional Qualifications:
Eddie Haworth FRSA, AKA Dr Percey Veer … Yes, that’s our man! A professional entertainer with credentials that sparkle like a confetti shower. Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts . Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.
​
But wait, there’s more!
Gift of Happiness Foundation: Eckie wears his heart on his oversized sleeve. As the founder and director of this registered charity in Thailand, he spreads joy like a giggling contagion.
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CLOWN ECKIE PERFORMANCE AT AN ORPHANAGE IN BANGKOK
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Possibly the Only Clown TukTuk on planet earth? Shame it cannot be displayed at the Museum of Buffoonery in Southport, UK. It's now being used to ferry hill tribe kids to school in the jungles around the Thai/Burma border...


Worldwide Performances:
Eckie’s passport has more stamps than a circus ticket booth. From Europe to Scandinavia, the Middle East to India, and China to the lush corners of South East Asia, he’s left audiences in stitches. His technical prowess? Unmatched. His endearing stupidity? Unquestionably endearing.

Training with Top-Class Tutors: (Including Arthur Vercoe Pedlar, Southport)
Picture this: Eckie juggling baguettes in Paris, miming under Venetian bridges, and honing his pratfall technique in Munich. His training grounds span London to Athens, and he’s picked up more tricks than a magician’s hat.

Silent Eloquence:
Eckie’s secret weapon is knowing that “WE ALL LAUGH IN THE SAME LANGUAGE”. His playful antics don’t need words when his expressive face and silly props tell the whole story. Whether he’s mimicking everyday tasks or creating hilarious scenes out of thin air, he’s a master of visual comedy on the global stage.
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Professional Affiliations:
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CLOWN ECKIE PERFORMANCE AT AN ORPHANAGE HOUSING KAREN HILL TRIBE CHILDREN - LOCATION IS LOPBURI, THAILAND - DECEMBER 2024
Eddie Haworth, FRSA Self Proclaimed Professor of Buffoonery
 
  “Not Just a Clown!”
  • Fellow, Royal Society of Arts - Performance Artist / Photographer
  • Author: One Night in Shanghai (Publication pending)
  • Member in good standing, British Actors Union, Equity
  • Founder, Museum of Buffoonery
  • NGO Founder, Gift of Happiness Foundation under the Royal Patronage of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej
  • Member in good standing, Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand
  • Recipient, Rotary International PHF Medal (Paul Harris Fellow)
  • Featured in the TV Documentary: That Fat Bloke from Bolton​
World Clown Association (Past member): Eckie’s membership card probably has a squishy red nose on it. He’s part of the global clown fraternity, where oversized shoes are the dress code.
Clowns International 
(Past member): Because every clown needs a support group. They discuss custard pie techniques, and the existential crisis of being funny.
L&W Circus, Southport UK: Founder alert! Eckie birthed this circus like a giggling midwife. Trapeze artists, fire eaters, and unicyclists owe him a debt of gratitude.
Operation Smile Thailand: Eckie dons his red nose for a noble cause. As a clown doctor, he heals hearts with laughter, one giggle at a time.
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Camillian Centre: Here, he’s not just a clown; he’s a beacon of hope for children with HIV/AIDS. His painted face brings light to their world.
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Television Stardom:
From the cobbled streets of London to the neon glow of New York, Eckie has graced screens worldwide. Picture him on TV sets in Holland, Italy, the United Arab Emirates, Shanghai, Bangkok, Singapore, and even the land of precision engineering Germany.
​

So, next time you see a silly wig or hear an old-fashioned Taxi horn, remember, somewhere out there, Clown Eckie is turning frowns into somersaults.
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CLOWN ECKIE IS BACK FROM THE JUNGLES OF SOUTH EAST ASIA AND DELIGHTED TO PRESENT HIS AMAZING STORY AT THE MUSEUM OF BUFFOONERY!
CONTACT

Founder

Eddie Haworth FRSA
The Little Museum of Buffoonery
40 Wayfarers Arcade, Southport, PR8 1NT, United Kingdom
https://www.crackmask.com/contact.html

Gift of Happiness Foundation

Founder & Director: Eddie Haworth FRSA
Fellow, Royal Society of Arts (London)
General Enquiries: [email protected]
Sponsorships: [email protected]
Gift of Happiness Foundation
Museum of Buffoonery

“We all laugh in the same language at the Gift of Happiness Foundation.”

Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities

We’re actively seeking partners to help expand our reach and impact.
If your organisation would like to support our work, please contact Eddie directly.

Bangkok Office

202, Soi 36, Sukhumvit 77 (On-Nut)
Khet Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand
Registered Non-Profit: Kor Tor 1914
Tax ID: 0-9930-0009226-1

© Eddie Haworth FRSA — All rights reserved.
Buffoonery with purpose, laughter with legacy.

 📚 Read More:
Discover Eddie’s sometimes harrowing personal journey through addiction, recovery, and global travels, all woven into the story behind the Museum of Buffoonery. HERE
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