The Clown who just wasn’t funny
From 6 years
31 August - 4 September 2025
A touching and humorous story about Dummy the circus clown
Co-production with De Røde Heste
When Dummy the clown enters the circus ring it is as if everything comes to a standstill and the audience begins to think about important things: About someone they miss and about something they would like to tell or share with someone. But not many people laugh.
“No! No! No! It has to be funnier,” yells the ringmaster and threatens the clown with being fired. Then Leo the lion tries to spice up his good friends’ performance. Now the clown is stumbling and falling flat on his face, and some are laughing. But not many. And not very loud. The clown is fired.
But to the great surprise of the ringmaster the audience complains because what is a circus without a clown?
With humour and music, we follow Dummy’s attempts at succeeding in the circus. But wouldn’t it be possible to gauge your success by other measures than laughs alone – even though you’re a clown?
“Teater Refleksion and De Røde Heste have created a glamorous perl, a theatre treat, which makes you sense that a circus clown’s true mission isn’t to make the audience laugh as much as possible.” – Teateravisen
“…A fine, musical performance….which brings both laughter and reflection.”
– Iscene
The production is supported by The Danish Arts Foundation, AP Møller Fonden, Aage and Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond and Danish Actors’ Association Funds.
Cast
On Stage Claus Mandøe and Max Bering
Script Claus Mandøe an adaption of the children’s book by Kim Fupz Aakesons
Director Bjarne Sandborg
Scenography / Puppets Amanda Axelsen Sigaard
Assisted By Niels Willum Andreasen
Lighting Design Morten Ladefoged
Music Max Bering
Sound Design / Tech Morten Meilvang Laursen
Workshop William Højberg Nielsen
Videoanimation Christoffer Brekne, Amanda Axelsen Sigaard
Plancher Nanna Rosalia
Photo Teater Refleksion
Date
31 August - 4 September 2025
Performance time
Sun. 2.00 PM
Mon. – thur. 9.45 and 11:00 AM
Age
From 6 years
Run time
40 minutes
Jyllandsgaarden
Frederiksgade 72b, 1.
8000 Aarhus C