Instead of running away to join the circus, Tweedy the Clown has done the opposite and escaped from Giffords Circus this year. But calm down Tweedy fans – There’s no need to despair, because Tweedy’s set up a circus of his very own. Currently camping out at the Underbelly Spiegeltent in London’s Cavendish Square, ahead of a run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Tweedy’s Massive Circus condenses the thrills of the big top into the smallest and silliest of packages .
Tweedy’s planned his circus to perfection. He’s booked tons of exciting acts who will perform in a massive tent, accompanied by a live orchestra. There are just a few problems – the performers haven’t turned up, the orchestra consists purely of a pianist (Reuben Greeph) and the tent is tiny. But the audience is here and Tweedy’s determined to put on a show. All he needs to do is enlist the help of humble technician, Sam (Sam Goodburn) to help him pretend that all the acts have arrived after all. The first bit is simple since Sam will do anything for a biscuit. But they then need to convince their benefactor, Madame Loren (Loren O’Dair) that everything’s under control. And with a pair of clowns taking centre stage, chaos predictably ensues!
Tweedy’s circus may not be quite as massive as he envisages, but it’s jam-packed with everything you could possibly want in a big (it’s tiny!) top, plus plenty more you never knew you needed! (Have you ever seen someone do keepy uppies with custard creams? Or watched a dinosaur chase a clown up aerial silks?) Between them, the multi-talented pair spin an almost impossible number of plates (both metaphorically and literally) to create a full circus experience. There’s unicycling, juggling, aerial acts, tightrope walking, cigar boxes and more – including a classic Tweedy routine featuring ladders. And, of course, his pet iron Keef also makes an appearance.
It’s a hilarious, high energy production from start to finish, with a brilliant narrative that features all the typical Tweedy gags and plenty of audience participation. (Top tip – don’t sit in the front row unless you’re willing to find yourself part of the act.) Tweedy never ceases to amaze us with the sheer number of different disciplines he’s managed to master, and he’s found a perfect partner in Sam Goodburn (who we previously enjoyed in the Revel Pucks’ Wing Scuffle Spectacular). Together, they show off an incredibly impressive array of circus skills, demonstrating that clowns can do far more than just make people laugh – Although they’re very good at that too!
Tweedy’s Massive Circus may be the smallest circus you’ll ever see, but it’s also certain to be the silliest. Offering something for audience members of all ages (including the grumpiest of grown-ups), it’s the perfect summer holiday treat.
Tweedy’s Massive Circus Plays at the Underbelly Festival from 18 to 27 July. We received complimentary press tickets to the performance on 18 July.
Underbelly Festival returns to Cavendish Square from July to September 2024. The festival features street food traders, open air bars, and plenty of space to socialise, with deckchairs and picnic seating throughout. The square is free to enter all season long, with tickets to the Spiegeltent performances starting at £13.00, and day offers available at the on-site box office.
Artwork: Jed Berry