Theatre / Reviews
Review: Coulrophobia, Factory Theatre
Pickled Image’s Coulrophobia promises clowns, puppets and full-frontal nudity. What could possibly go wrong?
Very little, as it turns out. Performers Dik Downey and Adam Blake are consummate in the ancient art of proper high-grade clowning, blending the skills of the mime artist with the exquisite timing of a good stand-up comedian. Added to this is a substantial smattering of silliness, ample audience participation and occasional mindless slapstick to create a show which gives a perfect display of how good contemporary clowning can be.
Downey is also a master puppeteer, and puppetry is woven throughout the show. But this is not in the style of what might be called ‘artistic puppetry’ (as seen in The Grinning Man), which uses puppets with delicacy to present or supplement a story. With the exception of one segment in a classic Punch and Judy booth, the puppetry in Coulrophobia is entirely integrated into the action, randomly bringing some very unlikely objects – including an audience member’s sock – to life with a far more ad hoc sense of immediacy.
Coulrophobia is undeniably a show for grown-ups (it has a 16+ age guidance). The comedy and language are meant for an adult audience, as is the black, absurdist narrative of two clowns trapped in a cardboard world controlled by Poco, the embodiment of the evil clown who is – in a very literal sense – their puppet master. But it also offers grown-ups a chance to release their inner child in silly audience involvement and by revelling in the classic clownish atmosphere of anarchy and disruption. With their cardboard props and shabby costumes, Adam and Dik are modern-day lords of misrule.
This show proves that there is so much more to clowns than sad children’s entertainers and feeble horror-movie tropes. Think back to the clown at the last slightly disappointing circus you went to, and imagine how his performance might have fulfilled its potential. Coulrophobia is that fulfilment. Top-class clowning.
Coulrophobia continues at Tobacco Factory Theatres until Thursday, November 10. For more info and to book tickets, visit www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/coulrophobia
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