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1965

Clowning

Written by The Group

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director
William Gaskill

Dates Performed

Monday 20th December 1965
Main House (Downstairs)

Play Details

Synopsis

A theatre stage where clowns-in-training learn their craft and embark on an improvised adventure

Keith Johnstone transforms his successful clowning demonstrations into a children’s theatre piece, initially struggling to engage young audiences. After realizing children desire characters and narrative, Johnstone improvises a story about Jim and Enid, two apprentice clowns escaping their cruel master Big-Nose. The play begins with a master clown teaching basic techniques, then seamlessly transitions into the escape story, captivating children with its simple narrative and participatory elements.

Johnstone’s work is an exploration of improvisation in children’s theatre, blending storytelling with clowning techniques. The play’s development process, rapidly shifting from structured exercises to an improvised narrative, highlights the power of spontaneity in engaging young audiences. Through its interactive elements and simple plot, Clowning examines themes of freedom, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling. The production’s success, despite its “primitive plot,” demonstrates the effectiveness of pure narrative in captivating children’s imaginations, while also challenging adult notions of what constitutes valuable children’s entertainment.

Director(s)

Keith Johnstone

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Benjamin Benison

Cast

Lucy Fleming

Cast

Roddy Maude-Roxby

Cast

Richard Morgan

Cast

John Muirhead

Cast

Tony Taylor