CLOWN’S LEFT RUNNING SHOW
ACCLAIMED clown Tweedy, who audiences will know from the hit show Giffords Circus, is heading out on his first ever solo tour...
Tell us all about your new show Tweedy’s Massive Circus?
It shows what would happen if a clown was put in charge of putting a circus on. What can go wrong probably will. I wanted to create an intimate show where comedy is the main purpose; a show where all the family can laugh together. I also wanted the audience to feel part of the show. This is why it’s in such a tiny big top.
How have you and the cast found rehearsals?
It’s been a fun process with lots of laughs and quite a lot of ‘You can’t do that it’s not possible’ from the director. Cut to the next day after a sneaky practice and ‘Oh it is possible, ok it’s in’.
What are you most looking forward to about going on tour?
Just bringing joy to as many families as possible. The beauty of the circus is we arrive at a patch of grass that people walk past every day and suddenly there’s a whole new world appeared there overnight, filling the place with laughter, then it vanishes like it was never there. There’s something magical about touring with the circus.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
Happiness and lifelong memories of a family day out. With so much negativity in the world it’s great to escape from it and just laugh. To be entertained live with the whole family and really be in the moment as opposed to staring at screens ignoring one another.
Do you have a favourite memory from any of the areas you’re heading on tour?
I was doing walk-about entertainment at Cheltenham Race Course during Gold Cup week and I decided to help put up some fencing. I ended up stuck in the area they were fencing off. Next thing I know lots of armed police have come over, a car arrives in the area and Princess Margaret gets out as I try and blend in.
■ Tweedy performs in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre grounds, Stratford-upon-avon, from May 24 to June 2, See www.rsc.org.uk