Dik and banana gun

Send in the clowns

Clowns have been making headlines for all the wrong reasons recently, but Hastings Storytelling Festival redresses the balance with a riotous two-man show, Coulrophobia – aka ‘fear of clowns’ – at St Mary in the Castle. Naomi Robinson writes.

Described as ‘laugh out loud, inventive, full of craziness’, this show for grown-ups tells the story of Dik and Adam, two traditional clowns plunged into a surreal cardboard world, where their actions are beyond their control. Through a series of outrageous sketches involving slapstick, mime and nudity, the two hatch their escape.

Clowns in a cardboard box

Festival Director Mandy Curtis explained: “Hastings Storytelling Festival isn’t all safe, cosy tales by the fire, though we love those too. It’s unexpected and diverse – stories that surprise and even change the way you feel. This year’s theme is ‘Displacement’ and Coulrophobia owns this with hilarity and mayhem.”

Thanks to support from Arts Council England, Hastings Storytelling Festival 2016 promises a diverse programme of surprises, including best-selling children’s author Dame Jacqueline Wilson at the White Rock Theatre, a Midnight Run through the town under cover of darkness, while outside Debenhams, displaced spirits speak from Talking Lampposts.

The Festival runs from 7-13 November 2016 and includes events for families, children and adults. Most children’s events are free. Look out for the brochure around the town or visit www.hastingsstoryfest.org.uk for more information.

Coulrophobia: St Mary In The Castle, Hastings. 12 November 2016. Show starts at 8pm. Bar open at 7.30pm. Adult tickets are £10 at Hastings Tourist Information Centre or online through Hastings Storytelling Festival website.

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