Open book

Whatever happened to laughter in the world? No one seems to be laughing anymore. The world is facing a crisis more serious than monetary problems, a greater threat than wars, plagues and corrupt politicians. The world is losing its’ funny men. There are a few professional clowns who perform in the theatre and most of them have joined the race for more quick money, the escalator to greed. Their performances tend to be the same now as when they started. Very few make comment on the society in which they live. Laughter is the most powerful peaceful weapon to use to make change. Yet the funny men are at the bottom of any list of importance. In 1972 Clown Cavalcade I formed, with the ultimate aim of rectifying the situation. The company lasted fifteen years teaching hundreds the art of comedy. It was not foreseen that it would have to exist in an environment that had no room for a sense of humour. We have certainly experienced what the early Christians must have felt in our strug...

The influx of American actor and actress to the London Theatre scene has grown over the last few years. I think it is the best thing that could happen to the American Theatre. The long tradition of training for the theatre in Britain has produced some of the world greatest performers. If you don’t believe me then look at how many British television show have now crossed the Atlantic and become popular shows on American TV.