Wannabe clowns needed to run away with the circus

John Lawson's Circus is looking for local replacements for two clowns who are leaving at the end of the summer tour

THATCHAM people with a knack for falling over and custard pie throwing are being asked to audition for the circus, when it revisits Thatcham next week.

When the show's star clowns Kakehole and Popol recently announced that they were leaving at the end of the current summer tour, staff at John Lawson's Circus decided to look for replacements locally.

Circus ringmaster Atilla Endresz said: "Good clowns are actually very hard to find.

"There are many circus schools both in the UK and Europe, but these mainly produce gymnasts and trapeze artists.

"We are finding it increasingly difficult to hire clowns.”

Kakehole and Popol are currently in their third year with John Lawson's Circus but they have now decided to spread their wings and travel abroad, so the circus has decided to look for new comic talent during it's tour of the UK.

Mr Endresz added: "Many people have a romantic dream of running away with the circus, so now we are offering them the chance to be part of the show.”

Clown Popol said: "Anyone can wear a red nose but that will not necessarily make them funny.

"You have to have a good sense of comic timing and a personality that seems natural in the ring."

When the circus finishes it's tour in October, the best applicants from around the UK will be offered contracts to star in next year's show.

The circus will be appearing at the Lower Way field, from Wednesday, June 1 until Sunday, June 5.

For more information or to enquire about a clown auditions, contact the ticket office on 07860 498833.