Category Archives: Clown

Birthday Party Clown

Clown for a Birthday Party

If you are wondering how to make your child’s birthday party a very special memory that they will never forget then hiring a clown entertainer could be the answer you are looking for.

A clown turns your child’s special day into an exciting magical experience.

Clowns are exciting and fun. Children love their colourful costumes and crazy antics.

Clowns are often multi-skilled and can do lots of fun stuff like juggling, balloon modelling and magic tricks but what makes them different from other entertainers is that they are very silly too!

Children delight in watching the clown get into a muddle. Clowns are clumsy, forgetful, hoplessly incompetent. They get mixed up, they drop things, they walk into things, they fall over and sometimes even fall asleep.

A clown show is more like a pantomime!!!

Clowns are very versatile performers and can work in all kinds of situations. They are perfect for a children’s birthday party but can also entertain in shopping centres at family fun day events, store promotions, fetes, shows and galas.

Clowns can work with children of all ages but they can entertain adults too.

A clown will bring laughter, smiles and happiness to your child’s party.

CLOWN PARTIES ARE FUN!

Looking for a Birthday Party Clown in North Yorkshire or The North East?

Chuckle The Clown covers Richmond, Catterick Garrison, Northallerton, Darlington, Barnard Castle, Northallerton, Harrogate, York and Middlesbrough. He also works in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Leeds areas.

Contact Chuckle The Clown using our enquiry form here.

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History Of Clowns

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Image via Wikipedia

A Short History Of Clowns

Ancient Clowns

Throughout history most cultures have had clowns. A pygmy clown performed as a jester in the court of Pharaoh Dadkeri-Assi during Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty about 2500 BC Court jesters have performed in China since 1800 B.C and they were given great freedom of speech. Most Native American tribes had some type of clown character. These clowns played an important role in the social and religious life of the tribe, and in some cases were believed to be able to cure certain diseases

The White Face

The traditional white face makeup of the clown is thought to have been introduced by the character of Pierrot, the French clown with a bald head and flour-whitened face. He first appeared during the latter part of the 17th century. He was created as a fool for Harlequin, Pierrot was gradually softened and sentimentalized. The pantomimists Jean- Baptiste-Gaspard Deburau took on the character in the early 19th century and created a famous love-sick, pathetic clown, whose melancholy has since remained part of the clown tradition.

The First Circus Clown

The earliest of the true circus clowns was Joseph Grimaldi, who first appeared in England in 1805. Grimaldi’s clown, called Joey, specialised in the classic physical tricks, tumbling, pratfalls, and slapstick beatings. In the 1860s a low-comedy comic appeared under the name of Auguste, who had a big nose, baggy clothes, large shoes, and untidy manners. He worked with a white face clown and always spoiled the latter’s trick by appearing at the wrong time to mess things up.
Grock (Adrien Wettach), a famous white face pantomimists, evoked laughter in his continual struggle with inanimate objects. Chairs collapsed beneath him. When a stool was too far from a piano, he shoved the piano to the stool. His elaborate melancholy resembled that of Emmett Kelly, the American vagabond clown.

The Auguste Clown

There is a widely told story about the origins of the Auguste clown – where an American acrobat named Tom Belling was performing with a circus in Germany in 1869. Confined to his dressing room as discipline for missing his tricks, he entertained his friends by putting on misfitting clothes to perform his impression of the show’s manager. The manager suddenly entered the room and Belling took off running, ending up in the circus arena where he fell over the ringcurb. The audience laughed and yelled ‘auguste!’ which is German for fool. The manager commanded that Belling continue appearing as the Auguste. Chuckle The Clown is an example of what an Auguste looks like.

The Tramp Character

One of the most well-known figures is the tramp made famous by Charlie Chaplin. The tramp clown was created by James McIntyre and Tom Heath in 1874, portraying African-Americans made homeless by the Civil War. They based their characters on blackface minstrel clowns which is the origin of the white mouth used by tramp clowns. Their idea may also have been inspired by the travelling hoe boys (hobos) or itinerant farm workers, who rode the rails from one town to another, wiping the soot away from their eyes & mouth.

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Amazing Clown Birthday Cake

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Look at this fabulous clown birthday cake made by Sarah Thompson for her son Charlie’s 5th birthday party. Chuckle wanted to eat it all himself but Charlie said it was to share with his friends. He did say Chuckle The Clown could have a little tiny piece if he promised to make the party lots of fun for everyone.

Charlie's Clown Birthday Cake

Need ideas for a birthday cake? See our gallery below :

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Why You should Never Forget Your Trousers

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: Image by ronwooduk via Flickr

I like to think I’m quite an organised person. Perhaps given the very varied nature of my business and taking into account all of the different things I do then personal organisation is important. As one half of Jolly Good Productions I am always taking out different equipment, props and costumes according to whichever of our various shows or workshops we happen to be doing on any particular day. This involves a lot of unloading and reloading. I’m sure I’m not alone when it comes to leading a busy life. Most of the time I get it right but every now and again I manage to drop myself in it as they say.

One of my most embarrassing moments occurred whilst providing children’s entertainment at an event organised for the families and friends of staff at a regional hospital. It was quite a big do with lots of people and what seemed like hundreds of children. I’d arrived in plenty of time, brought in all of my stuff and set up in the function room. They had asked me for my Chuckle The Clown Show followed after the break by Punch and Judy.

As my Punch and Judy booth is very large I often use it as a changing room. I can hang up my costume and relax inside out of the way before the show. I had taken my clown costume to the cleaners as I like to make a good impression. I do like a nice clean costume. So my costume was hanging up in its plastic bag, straight from the cleaners, ready to be put on at the last minute. I did my make up and waited for the room to fill up. About five minutes before I was due to make my big entrance I took my costume out of its plastic bag and was utterly horrified to find – NO TROUSERS!!! I must have assumed the trousers were on the coat hanger when they were taken to cleaners and I didn’t check when I went to collect. What a silly billy!

I had two choices. Either explain to the organisers that I couldn’t do my clown act and say it would have to be just Punch and Judy or I’d have to go on without trousers. Now fortunately I do wear special comedy clown knickers ( only when performing of course ). They are like a silly pair of shorts which come down to my knees ( and I am wearing normal undies under them ) so all was not lost.

I did the only decent thing and carried on regardless. I did my entire clown show with no trousers. The audience certainly seemed to be having a good time. The show rolled along as usual with lots of audience participation, fun and laughter. Perhaps they thought that this was my usual appearance or that I’d done it to for laughs. I’ll never know and They’ll never know that in addition to my red nose I had a very red face beneath the slap.

The moral to this story is : Busy people should use a check list! ( which is what Hazel has been trying to drum into me for years! )

Has this kind of thing ever happened to you? Share your experiences using the comment section below. Thanks, Ron.

100 Londoners take part in annual No Trousers Tube Ride (dailymail.co.uk)

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Chuckle The Clown | Interview

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An interview with Chuckle The Clown

“Good morning Chuckle, thank you for agreeing to this interview, I hope that the readers will find it interesting and that it will give them a glimpse into the world of the clown, may we begin?”

A ” Yes, please” ( Chuckle replies enthusiastically )

Q ” How long have you been a clown?”

A ” About five feet nine inches”

Q ” What attracted you to this line of work?”

A ” Mainly the bright colours and the balloons”

Q ” Your costume is very interesting, may I ask why your trousers are so baggy?”

A ” I’m leaving room to grow”

Q ” I couldn’t help noticing that you have very big feet, can you explain this?”

A ” Please don’t mention my feet, I’m very sensitive about them”

Q “How does it make you feel when people laugh at you?”

A ” It’s not fair, I paid a lot of money for my outfits and people should be more appreciative”

Q “Have you ever taken an IQ Test?”

A “No, but I did once take an eye test which sadly I failed”

Q “Which is your favourite political party”

A “I don’t have a favourite party. I go to lots of them and they are all fun”

Q “Some people say clowns are scary. What is your view on this?”

A “I agree, I never look in a mirror”

Q “Is it possible to make a lot of money being a clown”

A “Yes, definitely. All you need is a pair of scissors, some crayons and a big pile of scrap paper”

A “Have you ever had a proper job?”

A “Yes, I used to work in the City but the pressure got to me. The commuting, the stress, all that sell, sell, sell, every day. It got too much for me and lets face it nobody reads the Big Issue anymore, so I left”

Q “What motivates you?”

A “I am driven by a complete lack of responsibility”

Q “Would you describe yourself as an Icon for young people?”

A “No, I’d say I look more like an Acorn to some people”

Q “Are clowns a minority group”

A “Yes, they are. I’m trying to set up a pressure group as the tyres on my bike are flat”

Q “What is your greatest wish”

A “There is a popular idea that clowns are clumsy, brainless, bungling fools. I represent this miscontraception. It is high tide that these incontrovertable malplatitudes were ceremoniously deposited in the rubbish bin outside our local chippy. No single clown has set lower levels of achievement than I have. My greatest wish is to be taken more seriously”

Q “Thank you for answering my questions. What are you going to do for the rest of the day”

A “A group of workmen asked me to go shopping for them. They seemed very nice so I don’t mind helping out. They sent me off to look for a sky hook, a chocolate fire guard and a long stand. The nice man in the shop told me to wait here for the long stand so if you will excuse me I’ll get back to doing that. I wonder if the fire guard will be white chocolate because that’s my favourite.”

“Goodbye Chuckle”

“Good bye” ( Chuckle waves and smiles )

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An Entertaining Life

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This evening I have been booked as an after dinner speaker at a black tie dinner in York. The title is ” An Entertaining Life ” I have been asked to talk about how I became a clown and to include a few interesting anecdotes and most of all to give a demonstration. Now as you can appreciate, most of my work as Chuckle The Clown involves working with children and family audiences and not performing before an adult audience. Most people would tell you that clowns are for kids and there can be no disputing that this is the general perception. However I have to say that “grown ups” like clowns too, it’s just that they are too grown up to admit it.

Making a living as a clown is an unusual occupation and so I am sure that my audience this evening will be curious to know why I chose to abandon respectability and entered into this crazy world of clowning around ( I sometimes find myself asking the same question ).

There are many reasons why I like what I do. I get to travel, I meet lots of interesting people, it’s fun, there is lots of job satisfaction ( one point for a smile, two for a titter, five for a round of applause and ten for an out and out belly laugh ), all sorts of funny things happen outside of the actual show, I am my own boss ( whoops, forgot about Hazel ) and it’s different, for me variety is the spice of life.

Perhaps inside of every person there resides a little clown. This little clown was happiest when we were children because it could be free to play in our imagination. As we have grown older the little clown has become submerged under the baggage of life, covered over by responsibility, self consciousness, respectability, authority, status and all the other trappings of adulthood.

This evening when I present “An Entertaining Life” I hope that my audience will get an insight into my world and that I may even be able to find some kindred spirits who ill be brave enough to dip their toes in the water and join in the fun. It may even inspire them to take up a new career?

If you are looking for an after dinner speaker with a difference and you are feeling courageous then please give me a call!

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What Is A Character Clown?

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There are various types of clowns. The “Auguste” clown is the one that most people imagine. Baggy clothes, big red nose, big feet etc. There are also “White Face” clowns, “Contemporary” clowns, “European” clowns and “Character” clowns. Each type has is identified by certain characteristics.

What is a character clown?

Whilst most clowns are fairly generic in their appearance a character clown has a very specific and clearly recognisable identity. Charlie Chaplin could be classed as a character clown. The little tramp with his funny walk and cane became very famous in the days of the silent movie. Another very well know character clown was Emmet Kelley. He was an American circus clown who was always sad.

Character clowns often mimic a respectable profession. They are poking fun at the establishment which is why people find them amusing. The bungling policeman, an absent minded headmaster, a silly doctor all have great potential for this role.

Character clowns can be employed to great effect at events. Its great fun to have a clown policeman at the entrance in charge of security. The absent minded headmaster is a good one for educational / school events. Clown doctors often work in hospitals. A cowboy clown is great for a wild west themed event.

Here are some of the character clowns I have created and use from time to time when not performing as Chuckle The Clown.

Cowboy Clown

Policeman Clown

Character Clown Scotsman McChuckle

Let me know what you think of my characters. Perhaps you have a great idea for a new character clown? If so post a comment. Thanks everyone.

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Clown Commercial Tickles Walmart Customers Funny Bones

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Clown commercial has more than a million views on U Tube. Two mums discuss how much money they have saved by shopping at Walmart. Dad dresses up as a clown but accidentally frightens the kids who run away after he steps on a unicorn. Considered by some to be hilarious.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsvAj6qfmFQ]

See a professional clown at Children’s Entertainer / Chuckle The clown

How To Make Yourself Feel Better

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Laughter is the best form of medicine says Chuckle The Clown ! A friendly smile is worth its weight in gold and no one can deny that having a good laugh makes you feel better.

Doctors, Nurses and Psychologists acknowledge that ” A cheerful heart is good medicine ” It is well known that laughter reduces stress, eases pain, fosters recovery and generally brightens ones outlook.

Some hospitals and nursing homes amuse patients with trolleys stocked up with jokes, humorous cd’s, games and gimmicks. A few have even set up ” humour rooms ” for use by patients and their families to enjoy hearty laughter whilst watching DVD’s, telling jokes and watching live performances.

In one hospital nurses wear badges that read ” Warning : Humour may be hazardous to your illness”

Laughter stimulates the production of alertness hormones called catecholamines. These cause the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins promote a sense of relaxation and dull the perception of pain.

In addition Cathecholamines increase blood flow, speed up healing, reduce inflammation and increase alertness.

It is also believed that laughter enhances immune response by reducing hormones that suppress immunity.

A Doctor at the School of Osteopathic Medicine in New Jersey said that the diaphragm, thorax, abdomen, heart, lungs and even the liver are given a massage during a hearty laugh. Dr Herring declared that the effect of laughter on the cardiovascular and respiratory functions is even more evident. Regular breathing is disrupted, expiration becomes spasmodic and deeper. There is an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and muscular tension. As laughter subsides all of these levels drop to lower than normal and the individual feels relaxed.

It is thought that this relaxed state can last for up to 45 minutes and can help to counter high blood pressure heart disease and depression.

Given the fast pace of modern life and the daily pressures many of us face it’s easy to become stressed or feel depressed. In a weakened condition we are more prone to illness. Perhaps we all need some Laughter Therapy.

Chuckle The Clown’s advice on ” How To Make Yourself Feel Better ”

A laugh a day keeps the doctor away…

Book Chuckle The Clown for a party or event.

Share your ideas on ” How To Make Yourself Feel Better ” What works for you ?

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Why Do We Like Clowns So Much ?

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Why do we like clowns?

Well OK I know there are a few people who hate clowns or claim to be scared of them. These people are in the minority. Most of us genuinely like clowns. That’s interesting because lets face it, clowns are a bit weird. So why do we like them. What is it that causes us to smile when we see one ? Why do we put up with them when they are so pathetic ?

Here are my thoughts on the subject :

We enjoy being with them because they make us laugh
They get away with things that we can’t
We enjoy seeing them get into trouble or getting into a mess
We enjoy seeing them fail
We are not threatened by them, we may even feel sorry for them
We relate to them ( empathy ). We imagine ourselves in their position
We like to look at them because their appearance is so odd
Clowns are open, we see them for what they are
They remind us of our childhood
We can have fun with them and act the fool with them
They bring happiness
We are intrigued by them, we want to know what makes them tick

Of course nobody carries out an analysis like this when they spot a guy with huge feet, baggy trousers and a great big red nose. Our reaction is instinctive. These feelings exist within us. My first clown teacher Leon ” Buttons ” McBride used to say that there is a little clown inside all of us. It’s in there and just waiting to come out. Perhaps that is why we like clowns so much ?

What do you make of this ? Let me know your thoughts on our relationship with the clowns.

Hire Chuckle the Clown for a party or event.

Jolly Good Productions (Blog)

Jolly Good Fun for Everyone!

Category Archives: Clown

Birthday Party Clown

Clown for a Birthday Party

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History Of Clowns

A Short History Of Clowns

Ancient Clowns

The White Face

The First Circus Clown

The Auguste Clown

The Tramp Character

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Amazing Clown Birthday Cake

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Why You should Never Forget Your Trousers

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Chuckle The Clown | Interview

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An Entertaining Life

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What Is A Character Clown?

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Clown Commercial Tickles Walmart Customers Funny Bones

How To Make Yourself Feel Better

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Why Do We Like Clowns So Much ?

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