Beloved performer and charity champion, Tweedy, honoured by University of Gloucestershire

Much-loved performer and charity patron, Tweedy, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the University of Gloucestershire in recognition of his contribution to the performing arts and his charity work across the county.

Best known for his long-standing role with Gifford’s Circus and as a family favourite in Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre pantomime, Tweedy – who prefers not to use his real name – has been making audiences laugh for more than 20 years.

His distinctive vaudeville-style comedy has been praised by The Stage and The Telegraph, and he has also taken on more serious acting roles, including in Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot. Earlier this year, he published his first book, Tweedy The Clown Who Lost His Nose, a comical story for children.

Born in Aberdeen and now living in Stroud, Tweedy aspired to be a clown from an early age. After starting out in youth theatre and pantomime, he landed his first professional role with Zippo’s Circus, where he worked for eight years before joining Gifford’s.

Alongside his performing career, Tweedy uses his platform to make a difference through his charitable work. He is a patron of Home-Start, a charity in Gloucester and Stroud which supports local families with young children, and of Allsorts, a Stroud-based charity that helps disabled children and their families access inclusive activities.

He has also raised funds for Maggie’s, which supports people affected by cancer, dedicating his efforts to the memory of Gifford’s Circus founder Nell Gifford, who passed away in 2019.

In 2023, Tweedy was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the circus and the community.

Receiving his Honorary Fellowship today at one of the University’s 2025 Graduation Ceremonies being held this week at Cheltenham Racecourse, Tweedy said:

“I’m delighted and humbled to be recognised in this way, even though I thought it was a prank at first.

“Being a clown means so much to me it’s such a privilege to be able to do what I love for a living. Hopefully it will inspire other people to follow their hearts and do what they love.”

The University said the Honorary Fellowship recognises Tweedy’s “considerable contributions to the county of Gloucestershire through his innovative and inspirational career in the performing arts, and his dedicated charity and community work.”