So this is where we bring down the curtain on John Claridge‘s Clowns photographed at the 67th Annual Grimaldi Service at Holy Trinity Dalston last month, courtesy of our friends at Clowns International. Being startled or even alarmed by their curious appearances, their gurning and their dopey japes, we recognise ourselves. This is the corrective that clowns deliver with a cheesey grin, confronting us with the ridiculous in life.
Chuckles the Clown (The Clown with 1000 Faces) - Clowning for sixty-three years. “I am the last one that was taught by Coco the Clown!”
Lady Bird - Performer for many years and mother of Pippa the Clown.
Jake - Clowning for three years, son of Mr Mudge and grandson of Mr Jingles.
Stephen - On a visit from Adelaide.
Gadget - Clowning for fifteen years and husband of Pippa the Clown.
Zaz - Clowning since the age of eight, now thirty-three.
Mr Mudge - Performer for fourteen years, son of Mr Jingles.
Susie Oddball – Clowning for thirty-five years. “I left my nose behind in Brighton!”
Bluebottle - Clowning for ten years, Secretary of Clowns International.
Photographs copyright © John Claridge
You might like to take a look at
John Claridge’s Clowns (Act One)
John Claridge’s Clowns (Act Two)
and read my account
At the 65th Annual Grimaldi Service
or read these other Grimaldi stories