A circus group coming to Kingsclere aims to cure viewers’ phobia of clowns with a session of ‘clowncelling’ this weekend.
John Lawson’s Circus, along with sword fighting pirates, trapeze artists and wire walkers, will be offering the service when it comes to the village tomorrow (Friday). Visitors to the Big Top can book in a therapy session with Kakehole and Popol, the Circus’ famous clown duo.
Ringmaster Attila Endresz commented: “It is surprising how many people seem to be frightened of clowns. Although you would always expect to see a clown at the circus, some people react with terror, and I am talking about the adults.
“The situation has been made worse by the media. There are many horror films such as Stephen King’s It, or even The Joker in Batman that portray the clown in a sinister light and have subsequently heightened the fear of the clown.”
Kakehole, one half of the comedy duo, explained: “We are offering special counselling, or rather clowncelling. We have developed some techniques to encourage people to overcome their fears. We gently introduce ourselves, explain the art of clowning, and perhaps even help the person to discover their own inner clown.”
His partner Popo; added: “It upsets us when audience members are scared of us. In our act, I am the boss who tries to keep order while Kakehole causes chaos. He is like a big kid, always getting into trouble and the children identify with him.
“People are not scared of us when they get to know us; it is just sometimes the initial sight of us that can be unnerving.”
Lawson’s Circus comes to Kingsclere’s Holding Field from Friday, May 7 to Sunday, May 9. Tickets cost £6 on the first night and £7 thereafter.
Contact the box office on 07860 498833.
