‘School for Clowns’
“School for Clowns” presented by Clownco, directed by June Harvest, by F. K. Waeschtern, translated by Ken Campbell. At the Court Theatre, May 12 to 23. Running time, one hour, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reviewed by Elody Rathgen. While all the children enjoy their holidays, Clownco presents a “School for Clowns.” The performance is delightful and one which will certainly enhance the pleasure of holidays for young theatre-goers, and their parents. The direction by June Harvest is energetic, attractive, fun and inventive. 'An enormous props basket seems to contain an endless supply of delights and surprises —- almost magically the
clowns transform themselves from frogs to fighters, to fishermen and pilots, to the Wicked Queen and three dwarfs. The clowns are mischievous pupils for their teacher, Professor Molereasons, to cope with. Each lesson which he tries to “teach” ends up with all sorts of hilarity. The clowns hide from him, tease him, squirt water and flour at him pr at each other. He threatens and cajoles but on both sides the motivation is only fun and fondness.
All the skills of clowning are demonstrated to the delight of the audience. There are lots of funny faces, roller skates, balloons, falling over, mimicry and comedy. Clownco, which consist of Gabriel Gregg, Juliet Wil-
kinson, Shaquelle Maybury, Kerry McCammon and Paul Nadas, works as an excellent team, obviously thoroughly rehearsed. They manage all the props and costume changes with a minimum of fuss. They are also able to respond immediately to the spontaneous audience reactions or to minor hitches inevitable with such a range of props. “School for Clowns” is well worth a holiday treat. Many young theatre-goers will also enjoy having their faces painted prior to the show if they arrive early enough. Those who do will be able to really feel part of the clown school. But for any young at heart this show will bring a smile and a mood of light heartedness which will last beyond the hour of performance.
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Press, 13 May 1987, Page 8
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336‘School for Clowns’ Press, 13 May 1987, Page 8
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