This week I found myself applauding a woman for successfully throwing a potato towards a Mexican clown. Now I know what you're thinking; 'We've all done that Sweens, what's your point?'
Well, it all happened while I was at the circus. I haven't been to the circus for years, and if I'm honest I can't really remember what it was like and whether I enjoyed it or not. But the opportunity arose for me and a few friends to go along and I must say, as an alternative to just going down the pub, I can't fault it.
Parts of it were very old fashioned, with scantily clad girls doing mildly entertaining things with hula-hoops, a clown running around with a toy dog that intermittently 'urinated' in the direction of the audience, and another clown miming to a song while trying to stay in a constantly moving spotlight...that sort of thing. But the majority of it was incredibly entertaining. Extreme acrobatics, balancing acts that genuinely defied belief (at one point I muttered 'f**k off' under my breath when one man balanced on several different wooden boards, all rolling on different tubes, in different directions...while waving...thankfully he didn't take my advice and carried on), and the classic 'Wheel of Death' all held the crowds attention for a good 2 hours.
That a form of entertainment which has been going on for hundreds of years can still grip children who've been brought up on computer games and instant access to all manner of incredible things on YouTube gave me a warm feeling inside. But then again, that might have been the three pints of ale we had in the pub afterwards.
Anyway, back to the Mexican clown. Other than getting members of the crowd to throw a potato on to a fork he held in his hand (honestly, that was his act), he also stole the show for me by staging a slow motion boxing match with someone from the audience. I was watching a man wearing ridiculously big shoes, pretending to punch another man at incredibly slow speed, to the strains of Survivor's 'Eye of the Tiger'. Most people in that situation might take a moment to think about what they're doing with their life. Not me. I loved every minute of it.
3 comments:
(a) Where does one find this wholesome yet warmth-inducing assault on the senses? I want to go. Just the potato thing would do me.
(b) How does one sign up? I'm having a career re-think. Does it require an NVQ or the like? Was there some sort of information board?
(c) How did you know he was Mexican? Did he have a big hat?
Fine questions all.
a) I saw them when they came to Bristol, but Paulo's Circus go all round the country. It really was frighteningly wholesome though. I've just remembered at the end the ring-master actually said 'May all your days be Paulo Circus days...'
b) I didn't spot any information board or a register to sign up, but I think an ability to throw and/or catch things is a good start.
c) He had a HUGE hat on, his name was (and indeed still is) Chico Rico, AND I had the pleasure of meeting him. He taught me how to plate spin. Badly, as it turns out...
With leg strapped up and so unable to drive or get out and about (damn it) - it's alarming to find all manner of inane warblings on the internet. Some, however, are 'penned' in the enviable and might I say immaculate written English one has come to expect of him. Which, Sweens, coming from one (part) Welshman to another is a massive compliment. Careful with the language now though, Timothy. Is there something wrong with this clock?
Post a Comment