Clowns remember their grandfather - 24th February 2023

Every February, a church in east London fills with clowns. They wear colourful clothes, with bright face make-up and red noses. They don't look like typical church goers, but the clowns have come together to celebrate the grandfather of clowning, Joseph Grimaldi.

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 work was based on the popular Italian style of the time and it was common in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His moves were acrobatic and used mime – actions without words – to show feelings. These clown traditions have lasted until today.

Those people who find clowns frightening usually stay far away. However, several used the opportunity to inform their children. Rui Canico came along with his son, to find out more about the wonderful world of clowning.

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."

Former President of the World Clown Association Andrew Davis, was accompanied by his daughter. Joining other clowns and exchanging news is, for them, the purpose of the event.

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 event provides an opportunity to think of clowns who've died in the previous year. Their friends like to remember past entertainers together, in a way that's bright and cheerful.

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."