Knows, No’s, Nose follows two clowns navigating the ups and downs of share-house living. Clown A is a long-time professional, utterly devoted to being the best clown possible. Clown B is the polar opposite of Clown A. They are a newcomer, full of questions, desires, and doubts about what it means to be a clown. How can this pair co-exist when they sit at the furthest ends of the clowning spectrum?
This 60-minute comedy, written and performed by Alice Ridgway, explores an existential crisis through the lens of clowning. Despite the absurdity, the show finds emotional depth in its human undercurrents. It’s a clever balance of physical humour and thoughtful reflection, keeping the audience laughing while also considering bigger questions.
The pair are like clown versions of Bert and Ernie: Clown A (Molly Simpson) is uptight, a strict rule-follower determined to live the ideal clown existence; Clown B (Ridgway) is freer, more questioning, and desperate to know if there’s anything beyond life besides donning a red nose every day. Together, Simpson and Ridgway create a rhythm of fast paced dialogue that conveys the confidence and focus they have together. They display great physicality, and the way in which they interact with their props shows how embodied their characters are, making small gestures stand out. Director India Firth magnifies the ridiculousness of their actions but keeps the performances grounded in something recognisably human.
The pair are like clown versions of Bert and Ernie: Clown A (Molly Simpson) is uptight, a strict rule-follower determined to live the ideal clown existence; Clown B (Ridgway) is freer, more questioning, and desperate to know if there’s anything beyond life besides donning a red nose every day. Together, Simpson and Ridgway create a rhythm of fast paced dialogue that conveys the confidence and focus they have together. They display great physicality, and the way in which they interact with their props shows how embodied their characters are, making small gestures stand out. Director India Firth magnifies the ridiculousness of their actions but keeps the performances grounded in something recognisably human.
Identity is central to the piece. The clowns debate Clown International and long to join the Clown Egg Register - a real archive that preserves each clown’s unique makeup design to prevent imitation. Their fixation asks larger questions: are they only clowns, or can they be something else? The conclusion, however, feels a little underdeveloped, not really culminating on all the ideas that were explored.
The contrast between these two clowns gives the production its tension and heart. It’s a surreal, absurdist comedy set in the mundane with an interrogation about whether there might be more to life than simply following one path. Knows, No’s, Nose blends outlandish humour with strangely human truths, inviting the audience into a world that is both comically exaggerated yet relatable.
SHOW DETAILS
Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton
Season: until 5 October | 8.30pm
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $28 Full | $25 Conc
Bookings: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Image Credit: Alec Farrow
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