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the Singing Irish Clown Written by Little John Nee Directed by Raymond Keane Set Design by Kieran McNulty Costume Design by Marie Tierney Lighting Design by Sarah Jane Shiels Sound Design by Roger Gregg Cast Little John Nee Bryan Burroughs Roger Gregg The George Bernard Shaw Theatre Carlow September 30th to October 3rd & Booking 059 917 2400 www.gbshawtheatre.ie The Project Arts Centre Dublin November 3rd to November 14th Booking 01 881 9613 www.project.ie 'This magical show is an homage to the forgotten genius of Johnny Patterson, The Rambler from Clare’ Raymond Keane, director, first came across the story of Johnny Patterson while researching for his production ‘Circus’. At an exhibition of circus paintings by Jack B Yeats he encountered the painting ‘The Singing Clown’ 1928 and the catalogue outlined his fascinating story. Johnny Patterson was born in Feakle Co. Clare in 1840. At the tender age of fourteen young Johnny already showed his talent for music and song writing. By chance he found himself a job with a small touring Circus where almost immediately he became a huge audience favorite as a clown who told jokes and sang his own original songs. In his search for a new style of clown, coupled with his wish to present his ‘Irishness’ in a positive light he soon discarded the traditional clowncostume, replacing it with a cone shaped hat and a tweed outfit embroidered with shamrocks and a Celtic harp. He was head hunted by the world famous Cooper and Bailey and traveled to America where he became one of the highest paid entertainers of the time. He also amassed considerable wealth through royalties from his hit songs such as The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door. In 1885 becoming tired of life in America he returned home to a politically charged Ireland to fulfill his dream of forming his own circus. In reaction to the political situation he composed a song ‘Do your best for one another’ in which he urged Loyalists and Nationalists to put their differences aside. During a performance of the song in 1889 rising anger in the audience resulted in a scuffle. Patterson received a blow to the head with an iron bar and three days later died in hospital. Little John Nee, who will also play the title role, has written an innovative theatrical presentation which charts the highs and lows of this extraordinary performer, highlighting his triumphs and tragedies both inside and outside the ring. Back to News & Events |
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