Clown Show

Roll up, roll up for theatre-maker Geoff Sobelle’s contemporary portrait of America as a falling-apart circus.

Geoff Sobelle and his troupe of clowns have set up their 'beautiful big top' in the wreckage of America. The acrobats and the jugglers have long since left, leaving the clowns to run the show. Sobelle returns to the International Festival following his immersive, surprising productions, FOOD (2023) and HOME (2018).  

Part-clown, part-magician, Sobelle creates hilarious and poignant work, whose impact can be ‘as disturbing as it is beautiful’ (The Scotsman). This time, Sobelle is joined by an army of clowns holding it together as best they can, performing the original score on questionable instruments.  

Together, they invite you into a crumbling empire to witness the greatest show on earth before it disappears completely. It may be the USA’s 250th birthday this year, but Sobelle asks if the American Dream is better described as a deal with the devil. 

Supported by Sir Ewan and Lady Brown

Mostly non-verbal, with some spoken and sung English