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Clowns remember their grandfather - 24th February 2023

Each year, around the same time in February, an east-London church fills up with smiling clowns, who gather here in celebration of their grandfather, the great Joseph Grimaldi. They stand out in their brightly coloured clothes, with their round red noses and painted faces.

Rob Bowker: "It's a real genuine church service in remembrance of Joseph Grimaldi who is revered as the first proper clown in England and so, our grandfather of clowning."

Grimaldi's style of clowning, popular in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, was based on the Italian theatrical style of 'commedia dell'arte'. Grimaldi used acrobatic movements and physical humour combined with mime – acting without speech – to show meaning. These traditions remain with us to this day.

Whilst the fear of clowns, or 'coulrophobia' may result in some people keeping well away from this particular church service, others are curious. Rui Canico is one attendee who's taken the opportunity to introduce his son to this form of comedy.

Rui Canico: "We've never been in a similar thing before. And I think, you know, it would be a nice introduction for him to the wonderful world of, you know, joy and colours and lights and microphones."

Ex-President of the World Clown Association Andrew Davis brought his young daughter along. They explained the event's importance, in terms of being part of a lively group and catching up on the latest news.

Andrew's daughter: "I like having fun with everyone and seeing everyone and catching up on what they've been doing and seeing what they have to do.

Andrew Davis: "And you like clowning, don't you? You like all the energy."

Andrew's daughter: "Yeah."

Andrew Davis: "And the fun that we have when we, when we get together yeah."

The service is also a key time to reflect on fellow members of the clowning community who've passed away in the preceding year and, with a wide smile, to say a final farewell.

Rob Bowker: We like people to smile. We like people to laugh. We like people to enjoy life because at times it is far too serious. So that's where we're at. We're at the smiling end. Oh yeah."