Under the Nose: Memoirs of a Clown

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/07/2011 (4819 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Playhouse Studio (Venue 3), to Saturday

An older woman (Sue Proctor) reminisces about her various jobs as a clown, while a younger woman in classic clownface (Christine Bellerose) sits nearby, eagerly taking in her story.

Bellerose is adorable while Proctor is more subdued and hesitant, almost as if she’s not completely comfortable in front of the audience. In a larger venue, her delivery would be lost, and at times it’s hard to believe her claims of performing before large crowds.

Subdued likewise describes the overall tone: This is one of those productions that doesn’t quite match the programme description. We are promised a look behind the clown facade, with the inference being poignancy and revelation. What we get is more like a friendly chat, with a few interesting anecdotes, but nothing particularly life-altering. The short “Fashion Show” bit involving the audience is cute, but comes across as padding. Sweet and low-key, but could have been so much more.

— Janice Sawka

 

From the official Fringe Festival program:

Can life be as naturally absurd as it is? Maybe it depends on the angle and attitude of your perception. Being a clown isn’t always happy, but sometimes it is hilarious! What is it like to look out from under the nose for two decades? Enjoy inside stories about the trials and tribulations of the funny business.

Recommended For: General Audience

Length: 60 min.

Tickets: $10

Discount Tickets: $8 for Students, Seniors, Kids (12 & under)