Jake Mace
Two clowns live in a clown-share house as clowns as they navigate the complexities of living as clowns. Alice Ridgway and Madeleine Johnston reckon it’s easier said than done, and have set out with this gag-heavy concept for their upcoming Adelaide Fringe show Knows, No’s, Nose which opens tomorrow at The Warehouse Theatre. We managed to catch up with this pair of clowns for a pixelated pint ahead of their first show, so join us as we dive oversized-shoed and bright-red-nosed into their show.
You can catch Knows, No’s, Nose at The Warehouse Theatre as part of Adelaide Fringe from Tuesday 11th March until Sunday 16th March at various times. Tickets are available through the Adelaide Fringe Box Office.
Jake: Hi Alice & Madeleine! Knows, No’s, Nose is set in a clown house-share, following two clowns navigating the complexities of living as, well, clowns. Tell us about what inspired the piece.
Alice: Hello! I began writing a scene between two people, one was yearning to write something meaningful as an artist the other was having an existential crisis. I have always loved clowning and it suddenly made sense for me to make these two people clowns. I’m inspired by British humour, in particular the Mighty Boosh, and Monty Python were shows I grew up watching. I draw a lot of inspiration from female comedic duos as seen in Broad City and Pen15. I enjoy placing things which we are familiar with (clowns) in unfamiliar settings (a share house). The idea of two clowns living in a share house excited me as a writer!
Jake: You describe the show as a fresh take on clowning – tell us about your process and how you came to be working together on the show.
Alice: The show was written by myself and then I began to devise it with Maddie Johnston and Izzy Brown-Rogers who directed an early development of Knows, No’s, Nose. We love to improvise and experiment on the floor. Often improvised lines end up being added into the script. Maddie and I were studying at University and an opportunity came to do a showing of Knows, No’s, Nose. I knew she would be perfect for the role of Clown A and a good candidate to be my partner in clown!
As for a fresh take on clowning…well the show is incredibly meta! We often acknowledge we are in a theatre and are very much aware of the audience. The writing places two clowns in a domestic setting which is not typical for a clown! Clowns aren’t known to be self-aware but our clowns are very much in the know of their noses. We balance the traditional slap-stick humour of theatre clowns with the absurdist language and scenarios in the play. The only way to truly Know what I mean is to follow your Nose (don’t say No) to the warehouse theatre and see these beautiful clowns in action!
Jake: What are you hoping the audience might take away from the experience, if anything?
Alice: I hope the audience are able to feel the joy of laughter, let go of any stresses in their lives and indulge in silliness for an hour! I believe the beauty of clowning is its simplicity and power to delight people. If audiences come to our show have a good laugh and leave feeling lighter, then we’ve achieved our goal! I love theatre because it brings people into the present moment.
Another bonus would be if the audience leave feeling hopeful. The clowns experiences lots of ups and downs throughout the show! But the core message is to have hope and never give up. I’d love for people to walk away with some hope.
Jake: Now we’re in the throes of Adelaide Fringe, what are you most excited for?
Madeleine: We’re most excited to meet as many clown friends as we possibly can! I feel like clowns are having a renaissance right now and we can’t wait to soak up as much silliness as possible while we’re here! Clowns unite! Forever and always! It’s also such a pleasure to see people having the time of their lives on stage and we can’t wait to be a part of that!
Jake: Given the themes of Binge Fringe, if your show was a beverage of any kind (alcoholic, non-alcoholic – be as creative as you like!), what would it be and why?
Madeleine: Ooh I think if our show was a drink it would be a bloody Maria (bloody Mary but with tequila). Our show is definitely a shock to the system and is best experienced first thing in the morning! It also has a lot of wacky ingredients that all seem to work together in a very surprising way. And of course, tequila is a main ingredient in clown noses…
You can catch Knows, No’s, Nose at The Warehouse Theatre as part of Adelaide Fringe from Tuesday 11th March until Sunday 16th March at various times. Tickets are available through the Adelaide Fringe Box Office.
Madeleine Martin
Kat Burton
